The trees have grown well, with most about 8-10 feet tall. We delay pruning until February/ March time whilst avoiding frosts. Leaving it later can make it easier to differentiate between flower and leaf buds. The Kingston Black trees are the hardest to prune. Whilst the apples are the most amazing, the tree is susceptible to canker and disease. This needs to be cut out immediately. The tree also produces vigorous growth and will generate cross branches and crowding. So you have to be positive and dramatic with pruning. But then the rewards are in the fruit and the quality of the juice.

This year the Pig’s Snout apple trees are coming into their own. The growth form is more like a Christmas tree, with clearly defined side branches. This one is easy to prune.

But just look at the blossom. The abundance of flowers are large and white.

This spring, everything is looking orderly and neat.