Shaped to Perfection

How and why farmers in Val Venosta prune their apple trees

After harvesting, farmers remove old, excess, or diseased branches and shoots from their apple trees. This keeps the trees healthy and ensures the production of high-quality Val Venosta apples.

Winter pruning prepares trees for the season

From November to March, apple trees in Val Venosta enter their winter dormancy. During this period, the flow of sap and energy from the roots to the branches is minimized, making it the ideal time to shape the trees. Winter pruning allows the shoots to sprout vigorously in spring. With the trees bare of leaves, farmers have a clear view of which branches to remove.

Why do trees need a new haircut?

Regular pruning promotes healthy growth and enhances the quality of Val Venosta apples. By removing excess branches, the tree receives ample sap and light. This creates space for young fruit wood, which produces better apples. Additionally, cutting off diseased or dead branches helps prevent the spread of disease.

Striking a balance

Apple trees produce two types of shoots: long leafy shoots that primarily nourish the tree but bear little fruit, and short, older fruit-bearing shoots that produce apples. During pruning, farmers in Val Venosta balance these two shoot types to harmonize foliage and blossoms.

3.5 meters

The ideal height for apple trees in Val Venosta.

Longevity

Regular pruning extends the lifespan of orchards.

Well-lit

The sun, which shines 300 days a year in Val Venosta, reaches the leaves and fruits more effectively.

Well-ventilated

Properly pruned trees allow the Val Venosta wind to dry leaves quickly, preventing fungal diseases.

A natural cycle

The pruned branches are shredded into mulch. This decomposes, enriching the soil and maintaining its fertility.

A slender crown for more sun and wind

The sun shines in Val Venosta 300 days a year. To ensure the sun's rays reach the leaves and fruit, farmers prune the trees into a slender crown or spindle shape. They remove branches that cast too much shade, allowing more light to penetrate the canopy. This enhances photosynthesis, providing the energy needed for ripe, sweet apples. Furthermore, the Val Venosta wind, which regularly sweeps through the valley, dries leaves quickly in open crowns, helping to prevent fungal diseases.

More energy for premium apples

Val Venosta apples are renowned for their exceptional quality inside and out. By removing excess and diseased branches, farmers help the trees concentrate their energy on fewer, higher-quality apples. Pruning also increases sunlight exposure, improving the ripeness, quality, and color of the fruit. In autumn, farmers harvest flavorful apples that delight fans worldwide.

Pruning is an art

Which branches and twigs should be cut? This crucial decision directly impacts the quantity and quality of apples produced. Pruning requires adhering to fundamental principles and natural laws, and the variety of apple also plays a role. In Val Venosta, this complex knowledge is passed down through generations. It takes two to three years of experience to learn how to prune apple trees efficiently, delicately, and correctly.