Apple Pruning
Nestled beside the old cricket pavilion lies a hidden gem of St Bart’s – our school orchard. Though time has taken its toll in recent years, we are on a mission to restore it to its former glory, and crucially, to preserve the knowledge we gain on how to care for it, so that it can be appreciated for many generations to come.
Last week marked the beginning of this journey as The Horticult, our KS4 co-curricular Horticulture group, welcomed local apple expert, Tony Hammond, for a masterclass in apple tree pruning.
During this hands-on session, we discovered that while there’s no single “correct” approach to pruning, several key principles guide the process:
- The “One-Third Rule”: Conservation is key – never remove more than a third of the tree’s total growth in a single pruning session
- Sunlight and Air Flow: Proper spacing between branches ensures adequate sunlight penetration and fruit ripening
- Disease Prevention: Regular removal of shrivelled fruit and crossed branches significantly reduces disease risk
- Variety Matters: Different apple varieties have distinct optimal harvesting times, making identification skills crucial
- Quality Over Quantity: Strategic branch removal promotes healthier apples
We practiced identifying the new year’s growth, and branches that needed attention, particularly those growing in awkward directions that could affect the tree’s overall health and productivity. The session emphasised that pruning is about making informed choices rather than following strict rules. Next year, keep an eye out for our apple harvest – hopefully it will be a good one!
Tony also shared a charming story about a local Newbury apple variety called the Miller’s Seedling, the “local dance apple.” This unique tradition ties into the apple’s late-August picking season, which aligns with the August bank holiday. In the past, it was apparently customary to offer this specific apple to someone as a way of inviting them to dance.
We’re fascinated by this delightful piece of local history and would love to learn more! If you or someone you know has any stories about these “apple dances” or similar traditions, please don’t hesitate to email us at sustainability@stbarts.co.uk
