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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
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- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Key species and habitats // Traditional Orchards // Orchard practical guides // Fruit tree pruning // Formative pruning trees // Formative pruning for central leader trees

Formative pruning for central leader trees

Cider trees are traditionally grown with a central leader as the apples are shaken off rather than hand-picked.

Formative pruning standard tree. First 4 winters_ Paul Lacey Natural England

Formative pruning standard tree. First 4 winters. Image Paul Lacey Natural England

Forming the trunk

Winter 1. Cut back the side shoots to two or three buds, then remove completely the following year.
Subsequent winters. Repeat this process on any side shoots coming from the central stem until your tree is large enough to produce side shoots at a height you would like your first framework branches.

Forming the framework branches

Do not take out your central leader but allow it to keep growing up.

Formative pruning standard tree. Winter 5 onwards. Image Paul Lacey Natural England
Prune unwanted side shoots (in stages as before) except for side shoots that are at the right height and position to form further framework branches.
Leave 20cm of trunk between each branch to spread out the strain that each puts on the trunk.
Again, you are looking to end up with a tree that has a strong central stem with six to eight framework branches coming off it, evenly spaced around the central trunk.

Pruning framework branches

While you are establishing your framework branches, prune them by one third of that years growth to encourage the formation of strong branches and well-spaced laterals.