Why is it important to prune fruit trees?
Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungus, grow best in cool moist places. Opening the center of a fruit tree allows more light and better air flow, helping the tree to be more resistant to disease. Letting more light into the tree also promotes larger fruit. Trees produce fruit on new wood of the scaffold branches. These are branches that grow out and not straight up. By pruning the branches that grow straight up, the tree can put more resources into fruit production instead of upward growth.
When is the best time to prune fruit trees?
Trees can be pruned any time of the year if it is only trimming out dead branches, or a small amount of the foliage. But if a large percentage of the foliage needs to be removed, it is best to do so when the tree is dormant, which is between late October and early May in Cache Valley. Fruit trees typically need a large portion of foliage pruned each year which is why it is important to think about before the weather gets warmer. Pruning fruit trees in the colder months also helps to slow the spread of common diseases like blight. While the winter is the best time, it is still not too late to prune your fruit trees now.
Some helpful pruning tips
One question I am often asked is “how much should be trimmed out of the tree?” My uncle told me when you prune a tree to take what you think and then take 20% more. But this is not always the best way to prune a fruit tree. This idea probably stems from the fact that in order to achieve more fruit production, a lot of wood usually is trimmed out. Fruit trees are not shade trees. So, the answer to that question is “It depends”. It depends on the tree species, age of the tree, how it responded to the last pruning, how much fruit the branches can hold, and what height you’d like to be harvesting fruit. Here are some helpful tips:
- Start on the inside and work out, taking branches back to the branch collar when possible or the next largest branch.
- Start with the obvious branches first; anything dead, broken, crossed or rubbing.
- Always use clean, sharp pruners and remember to clean them between trees to prevent spreading of diseases.
Each tree is unique and there can be a lot of variables, so getting an expert opinion is helpful.
Tree Barber specializes in fruit tree pruning so give them a call if you have any questions.
