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Crab apple pruning #926830

Asked March 26, 2026, 3:07 PM EDT

I believe this is "Snow drift Crab apple (white flowers in spring)". How do I prune it. This picture was taken within the hour and it doesn't look good to me. Can you tell me or point me in the correct direction. Thanks

Macomb County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello there!

Now's a good time to prune, before the tree leafing out. Your crabapple is planted very close to the building, so part of your pruning will simply have to be for utility: you'll need to prune away all branches that poke at the window or rub against the walls (rubbing won't damage the walls, but will injure the branches). This, unfortunately, will create a one-sided profile, but that's what happens when trees are planted too close to structures as seedlings.

Next, you should look for and prune away dead branches, branches that cross and rub on each other, water sprouts and suckers. The goal is to have an open canopy that allows for good air circulation. This is a good 5-minute video on pruning crabapples: 

Thank you for your question!  Replied March 27, 2026, 1:45 PM EDT

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