Should I trim apple trees?

Apple trees should be trimmed to encourage their health and growth, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service. The service says that while the trees can be trimmed any time of the year, it is best to do so in late winter, right before spring begins.

One of the four main reasons to trim an apple tree is to ensure the fruit remains within reach for picking, according to the Extension Service. The other reasons are to keep tree limbs strong for better tree health and fruit production, to prompt growth of new limbs to bear fruit, and to trim away growth that is diseased or otherwise harmful to the tree.