Apple tree pruning for mechanical harvest is becoming more important every year. Labor costs are rising. Seasonal workers are hard to find. That is why more growers choose apple harvesters such as FELIX Z.

Can every orchard be adapted to this system? How should winter pruning look to ensure efficient mechanical harvesting?

We looked for answers in the experimental orchard of the Lublin Agricultural Advisory Center in Końskowola (LODR). Winter pruning for mechanical harvest was carried out there. The topic was explained by Sebastian Balant, MSc Eng., orchard specialist at LODR. Interview by Krystian Wejman, Sales Specialist at WEREMCZUK FMR.

Why Winter Pruning Is So Important

Winter is the best time to prune apple trees. This is the main pruning period for pome fruit trees.

Winter pruning includes:

• opening the canopy (tree crown),

• shaping the tree,

• removing old, low-productive branches,

• sanitary pruning (removing diseased and damaged shoots).

The most productive wood is 2–3 years old. Wood older than 3–4 years should be removed. This is especially important in 15- or even 25–30-year-old orchards. Young shoots give better yield and better fruit quality.

Apple Tree Pruning for Mechanical Harvest – Key Rules

If you want to adapt an orchard for an apple harvester, you must follow strict parameters. The tree shape must match the machine design.

1. Minimum Fruiting Height

The lowest fruiting branches must be at least 50 cm above the ground.

If fruit grows too low:

• it will not be harvested,

• or it will fall to the ground during harvest.

2. Tree Width

Branches growing into the row middle should not exceed 40 cm from the trunk axis.

This means:

• total canopy width should be about 80 cm,

• the tree should form a narrow fruiting wall.

3. Maximum Tree Height

Trees for mechanical harvest should be up to 3.5 meters high.
This matches the technical parameters of the apple harvester FELIX Z.

Which Shoots Should Be Removed?

During winter pruning for mechanical harvesting:

• remove vertical shoots (“water sprouts”),

• remove shoots growing at a sharp angle,

• cut out old and thick branches,

• avoid dense canopy,

• keep the chosen training system (for example spindle or central leader).

Do not change the training system during orchard life. Be consistent.

Mechanical Pruning as Support

Many commercial orchards use mechanical pruning. Cutting bars and contour saws shape the fruiting wall quickly.

After mechanical pruning, growers should:

• make manual corrections,

• remove diseased and thick shoots,

• control tree height.

This combination saves time and improves harvest efficiency.

Does Orchard Structure Matter?

In the LODR orchard, trees grow with concrete posts and wires along the rows. This system:

• does not disturb over-the-row harvest,

• stabilizes trees,

• helps maintain a fruiting wall.

However, some anti-hail net systems may block machine access if cables run across rows.

Does Mechanical Harvest Reduce Yield?

After the first machine pass, there were concerns about flower bud formation. However, no problems were observed.

In practice:

• no decrease in flower bud setting was noted,

• yields remained stable in the following years.

Even 25–30-year-old orchards can be successfully adapted without loss of productivity.

How to Adapt an Old Orchard

To prepare an old orchard for mechanical apple harvest:

1. Apply strong renewal pruning.

2. Remove all old branches.

3. Limit canopy width in the row middle.

4. Reduce tree height to machine limits.

5. Create a uniform fruiting wall.

With these rules, almost every orchard can be adapted.

See Mechanical Harvest in Practice

The experimental orchard at the Lubelski Ośrodek Doradztwa Rolniczego in Końskowola is open to growers. Open days are organized. Individual visits are also possible after prior contact.

Apple Tree Pruning for Mechanical Harvest – An Investment in the Future

Harvest mechanization is not a trend. It is a response to labor shortages and rising production costs.

Proper winter pruning, correct canopy geometry, and regular renewal pruning allow growers to move safely from manual to mechanical harvesting.

A well-prepared orchard:

• keeps high productivity,

• enables fast harvest,

• reduces labor costs,

• improves farm competitiveness.
  
  

Interested in mechanical apple harvest?
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Contact our specialists. We will be happy to answer your questions.