Top of Apple tree broke off - Ask Extension
Hi, Experts, I had thought about trying to help support the top branch [main stem] of my wonderful little Honey Crisp Apple tree but was told that the...
Knowledgebase
Top of Apple tree broke off #913974
Asked August 14, 2025, 9:03 AM EDT
Hi, Experts, I had thought about trying to help support the top branch [main stem] of my wonderful little Honey Crisp Apple tree but was told that the lopsidedness could be corrected in February by a good pruning. Well, the tree couldn't wait and [see photos] pruned itself. What do I do at this point? Can I complete the cut and let the apples ripen? Do I harvest the apples and chip the branch?
Help!
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Yesterday, Wednesday, August 13, I discovered the heavily-loaded apple tree top had broken and the main stem was hanging by a "thread." Not knowing what to do, I took photos and am asking you here. What should I do next? The photos do a pretty good job of showing the problem.
I suggest pruning out the damaged portion of the tree. A large tear like that creates a huge open wound that will allow for other insect pests or pathogens to enter. Use your pruners to make a clean cut and remove the damaged portion of the tree. I am not sure what shape you are training your tree to (central leader, modified central leader, open vase, etc.), but if using a central leader or modified central leader, then you can replace the damaged central leader you are going prune out with another central leader next year (apples like to send out lots of central leaders, so it likely will send out a new one next year). For more on pruning and training, refer to: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
