When to Prune Fruit Trees

Question: I just planted a couple of fruit trees. When is that the best time of year to prune them?

Answer: The time of year that you simply plan to prune your trees will depend upon your reasons for pruning and environmental considerations. For your tree’s first year, you ought to limit your pruning to removing damaged wood while the roots become established, because the more branches you allow initially, the quicker the roots can grow and get over being transplanted to your orchard. you’ll begin training and shaping your tree within the first dormant season after planting. Dead and damaged wood should be removed year round, as soon because it occurs. this may help to stop the spread of infection and secondary damage. for many situations, remove all the bad wood, but don’t dig the healthy tissue. However, you’ll dig good wood if it’ll prevent future damage, like removing branches that rub together. Never dig a healthy branch collar. Diseased wood can usually be removed year round. However, there are some exceptions for trees with specific diseases, like pear blight once you should remove a further 8 to 12 inches of healthy-looking wood beyond the diseased area. ask the University of California IPM website to work out the simplest time of year and amount to get rid of on infected branches to scale back the prospect of spreading the disease further. Shaping and training is generally wiped out the mid to late winter, before the buds swell. At this point of year, the limb structure is easiest to ascertain . Trees may “bleed” at this point from pruning wounds; if this happens on your tree, don’t worry! Oozing sap won’t harm your tree in the least . Thinning is generally wiped out midsummer following spring leaf growth. Thinning at this point will allow light to penetrate the cover , increase air circulation, and reduce disease. Thinning the fruit in late spring to at least one or two per cluster or one every 2 to eight inches along a branch will encourage larger fruit within the current year. For trees that tend to fruit only in alternate years, fruit thinning can help to repair the matter . For all pruning on live wood, avoid trimming any branches before or during wet or humid weather, or when the tree is stressed from drought. Spring during early growth should be avoided because the cambium and bark are easily damaged at that point , and pruning at this point can stimulate the expansion of undesirable water sprouts. Late summer and fall should even be avoided, as this will stimulate new growth too late within the year. Regular pruning maintenance is vital to stay your trees strong and healthy. make certain to see out our fruit tree Central for more articles and videos on the way to prune your trees.