Pruning with the Pros - Thinning the Canopy of a Crab Apple Tree

This piece is part of the collection Pruning with the pros

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

Get a leg up on fruit tree problems with dormant oils

Applying dormant sprays – Superior oil, copper and sulfur – helps control nasty pests and diseases like codling moths and apple scab.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 24, 2020 | News story

Drought takes heavy toll on state's forests

The drought of 2015-2018 has taken a heavy toll on Oregon's trees, especially Douglas fir, grand fir and white oak. The lack of water weakened many trees and made them easy targets for disease and pests.

Lauren Grand | Oct 2019 | Article

How to protect yourself from ticks

Ticks are a common nuisance for hikers, gardeners and those who enjoy the outdoors. They feed on the blood of humans and animals, and can spread disease. Learn how to identify ticks and how to protect yourself.

Brooke Edmunds | Jun 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

February garden calendar

For Oregon gardeners, the month of February is a chance to lay the groundwork for a successful growing season. It's a time to plan, prune, clean up and do maintenance. Here's a checklist of things to do.

Jan 2021 | Article

Fruit tree integrated pest management

A look at integrated pest management in "Concepts from Start to Finish".

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Emergency Action and Wildfire Prevention Plan - PDF Template

Oregon OSHA created new requirements for producers with employees who engage in suppressing wildfires on agricultural operations. Producers must have an emergency action plan and fire prevention plan. This template is designed to help producers create the emergency action and fire prevention plans that are required. Even without employees these plans can help better prepare any farm of any size for the threat of wildfire. This document is a fillable PDF that can be filled out on your computer or you can print it out and write directly on it.

Jacob Powell | Aug 2021 | Educational document

Forest Management Method (Silviculture Systems)

Managing your forest or woodland for the long haul takes forethought and knowing what you want your forest to look like and provide over time. Managing your forests involves the use of various silviculture systems and ...

Stephen Fitzgerald | May 2020 | Video

So You Want to Plant Some Trees

Are you interested in replanting native trees for a restoration project? Perhaps you are planning to harvest trees on your property and need some help with replanting techniques and where to find seedlings. Whether you are just...

Dan Stark | May 2020 | Video

Managing Root & Butt Rot of Conifers

Root and butt diseases of conifers in western Oregon are caused by fungi that decay live roots and can enter the heartwood of the roots and butt of the tree. They can have a profound influence on conifer plantation ...

Jun 2020 | Video

Pruning Timber & Landscape Trees for Quality Health

Learn how corrective pruning of young timber stands and landscape trees can help nip problems in the bud. Learn proper pruning techniques that help promote desired structure and growth and how this will positively impact your ...

Jul 2020 | Video

Biology and Management of Western Redcedar

Many people can identify western redcedar from its foliage, yet in spite of this leaf knowledge, even many foresters don’t know a lot about redcedar management. This class will cover the basic biology and ecology of the ...

Jun 2020 | Video

Wind, Rain and Dead Tanoak: Sudden Oak Death in Oregon

Sudden Oak Death has killed hundreds of thousands of tanoak trees in Oregon. How does this invasive pathogen spread? Where are the areas of concern? What species of trees and shrubs are affected? What are the symptoms? How ...

Norma Kline, Dan Stark, Sarah Navarro | Jan 2021 | Video

Native Trees of Western Oregon

Trouble distinguishing white and black oaks? Wondering if that huge cedar is an incense, Port-Orford, or Western red? The more you know about your trees, the better you can care for them and improve their overall health. This...

Alicia Christiansen, Lauren Grand | Apr 2021 | Video

Recommended Native Plants for Home Gardens in Western Oregon

Recommended native plants for home gardens in western Oregon.

Jun 2018 | Fact Sheet

Best Tools to Use in your Garden with Mike Peters

This talk will show examples of some of the best garden tools to help make landscaping projects easier and tips for keeping the tools sharp and clean.

Sep 2021 | Video

Overcoming Reforestation Challenges

This class will provide an update on current reforestation challenges and a discussion of ways to overcome them. Shortages of seedlings and services are making it hard to get trees in the ground, particularly with the increase...

Glenn Ahrens | Oct 2021 | Video

Pruning mature fruit trees?

We have two very old fruit trees: an apple tree that is over 40 years old that needs thinning and a mature cherry tree that has lost several limbs. The apple tree has overproduced with several 30-gallon garbage cans of ...

Chris Rusch | Jan 2023 | Featured question

Have a question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question