Prune moderately every year to keep the tree in good condition. Answer: Prune fruit trees annually during the dormant season. Pruning for Potted Fruit Trees. The art to fruit tree pruning is not something that can be taught in a short article or video, but basic pruning technique is quite easy to understand, and once grasped, almost anyone can maintain a fruit tree, and do so successfully, year after year. Why Prune? Pruning your fruit bearing trees is key to strong growth and an overall healthy plant but cutting at the wrong time of year can cause lasting damage or kill the tree! Wait until Pruning Is Optimal. Pruning during the Winter also promotes growth because you can pick and choose the branches that look like they will produce the best fruit and cut away the rest! It is also important to clean the blades from tree to tree. Prune your apple or pear tree in winter, when the leaves are off the tree. Woodland Trust (Enterprises) Limited, registered in England (No. Images © protected Woodland Trust. We prune our trees between February 1st-April 1st. General tips: see our guide to winter pruning apples and pears. Fruit trees need pruning for two primary purposes: to establish the basic structure, and to provide light channels throughout the tree so that all the fruit can mature well. Most of your pruning cuts will be to branches that are between 1-5cm (½-2in). Don't prune the stone fruits such as plums, almonds or cherries as these are susceptible to silver leaf disease if pruned in winter. One person may want fruit trees that have a natural, unpruned appearance, but may want to correct an overgrown canopy to increase sunlight for healthier branches. Fruit trees should be pruned every year in order to develop a strong tree structure, provide for light penetration, control the tree size, and to remove damaged wood. I know this sounds like a lot, but it would benefit the tree and you by helping the tree concentrate its energy mostly on fruit production instead of on unnecessary growth and of course, will keep the tree healthy. VAT No. Pruning of temperate fruit trees (Peaches, Apples, Pears) should be done during the winter dormant period in most cases. SC038885). What is the best time of year to prune fruit trees?Experts agree the best time to prune fruit trees is before they bud and the trees are still dormant from the winter. This article explores how pruning at different times of the year can affect your fruit tree's health and productivity. This period, generally between December and February, allows for some latitude. Our community of lawn and garden experts is always here to help whack your weeds! When To Prune Fruit Trees . Delivery is free. Free-standing fruit trees or bush trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they're dormant, in winter. Left to their own devices, fruit trees are self-defeating. What time of year do you prune plum trees?Prune your plum trees before the buds break in early spring time. From November to February your tree will be dormant, making pruning much easier! Pruning fruit trees improve yield and quality. Fruit trees do not yield good produce on automatic, by no means. Once your tree has reached the required size and shape, most pruning can be done in summer, although a small amount is still needed every winter for maintenance. And if you're going to err, Lee feels it's safer to prune a little bit later rather than earlier—especially with peaches. You might need to use a chain saw for the bigger branches (we recommend. Winter is a great time to prune, but despite common perceptions, winter is not the only time you can prune deciduous fruit trees. They can prepare themselves for winter why you should prune them needs some help growth try to make sure branches... 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