Use sharp shears for clean, easy cuts, and clean up what you’ve cut off from around the tree. Infact, you want to leave one-quarter inch above a bud that faces the direction you want that branch to grow. This could be anywhere from two inches to four feet back from the tip of each branch, depending how vigorous the tree. Cut off about 20 to 30 percent of last year’s growth. This helps keep them from snapping under the weight of the fruit, and it activates more growth lower in the canopy, making for smaller, more fruitful trees. Prune back the outermost growth of the tree so the branches become shorter and thicker as they grow. Keep branches that form an angle close to a two or ten o’clock position. When trying to decide what branches to cut, look for any wide angle ones that may break under the weight of heavy fruit. You want to see evenly spaced branches in a pleasing pattern from the center. Remove branches that grow downward, toward the center of the tree, or that cross another branch.

This will help boost fruit production and limit pest and disease issues. Allow more light and air to flow through the plant.

When removing any branch, make sure the cut is flush with the larger limb without leaving a stub. Also remove the straight, vertical branches, known as watersprouts. Remove any sprouts at the base of the trunk-they come from the roots and won’t bare fruit. Cut away any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Fruit Tree Pruning Techniquesĭifferent fruit trees can be pruned in different ways, but there are three basic steps to keep in mind for any variety. Fruit tree pruning also invigorates the remaining buds, keeping them healthy and productive. This helps you see what you’re doing to ensure you cut the right branches. The best time for fruit tree pruning is during its dormant period.

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