When can I prune my fruit trees Apples, Pears, Peaches & Plums
by
Robert Ives
+3
I didn't have time last fall to prune my fruit trees and I am not really sure how to do it correctly. Should I prune after fruit has been picked?
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Hope this helps! http://cesonoma.ucdavis.edu/files/27164.pdf
Prune the trees as soon as the fruit is done for the season.Remove any suckers from the lower branches,and any branches that are growing to wide.
The best time to prune fruit trees and shrubs is in early spring while the tree is still dormant, before growth activity begins. This is when pruning wounds heal best and you can easily see the buds to work around.
Prune fruit trees while they are still dormant but you can see where it will bud late February or March. Soon after you can spray with dormant oil to kill overwintering bugs. Clear out dead branches, suckers and shape tree to allow sun to reach fruit. Don't let branches cross over and rub against each other 5
Prune fruit trees when the leaves are off (dormant). It's easier to see what you are doing and removal of dormant buds (growing points) invigorates the remaining buds. Summer pruning removes leaves (food manufacturer), slows fruit ripening, and exposes fruit to sunburn.
Early spring or late fall is the best time to prune them as the sap isn't flowing much.