Knowledgebase
Trim apple tree #925289
Asked March 02, 2026, 1:16 PM EST
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
I haven't been able to find any horticultural information on the Tessa apple. I"ve only seen info on the flavor characteristics. Where did you purchase your trees? How old are they and did you plant them bare root?
Most apple trees are grown on dwarf or semi-dwarf root stock because it keeps them from growing too tall and they are easier to harvest without using ladders. If you planted them too deeply, they are now growing on Tessa roots rather than the dwarf root stock.
You can certainly prune them bag at the top. If they are 30 feet tall, you may want to call in a professional to do this for safety reasons.
Apple trees need pruning every year to keep them the size you want and to bear good fruit without overloading the branches. Ideally, they should be pruned in February or very early March to prevent the spread of disease. Be sure to clean your tools between cuts and especially before moving on to another tree.
Below is some good information on growing apples. there are some good video links for pruning.