

The aim of pruning here is to clear clutter to create an open framework. However, as a general overview we’ve offered some advice when it comes to pruning fruit trees. Understanding the growth and fruiting habit and time of bearing of your trees will help you grasp how to prune fruit trees. Different fruit trees require different attention when pruning. First, to train the young tree and secondly to encourage the renewal of fruiting wood.

Pruning is also needed to remove unproductive wood.įruit trees are pruned in two stages. However, pruning fruit trees is needed to help ensure trees don’t grow too tall so the fruit becomes too high to reach.

With a little bit of work and a lot of summer fun, you’ll be in for a fruitful season.Pruning is not necessary in order to produce fruit. If fresh cuts get wet it attracts disease.įor any other questions about pruning fruit trees this summer, contact Elite Tree Care. Don’t prune when rain is in the immediate forecast. Make a smooth cut without leaving a ragged edge or stump. Prune about three inches of the end of a soft, leafy shoot. This means pinching back any weak growth that will lead to a thin, weak branch. When pruning, you want to create a sturdy structure for the fruit to grow in abundance without hurting the tree. Too much growth also leads to light and airflow issues throughout the middle of the tree-which is where pruning comes in. They may reach maximum height sooner than other fruit trees, but that doesn’t mean their branches are sturdy enough for vigorous fruit bearing. These varieties usually grow fast and thick. The following fruit trees are commonly pruned in the summer. You can see which branches are loaded down under heavy fruit and work to help prevent that in the future. You don’t want to wait too long, or you’ll generate growth into the colder season. Prune during the active growing season in July and early August. The summer is for lightly pruning new branches of fruit trees to help encourage growth and manage the tree’s size. Wait till the tree is dormant in winter for any heavy pruning. Pruning dead and broken branches should be done during any season.
