Pruning your fruit trees correctly is essential for healthy growth and abundant harvests. With the right techniques and timing, you can cultivate thriving trees that yield delicious fruit year after year. Let's explore the best practices for pruning popular fruit trees like apples, pears, apricots, peaches, plums, citrus and cherries.
Apples and pears
The ideal time to prune apple and pear trees is during their dormant season, typically between November and March. It's crucial to use sharp, clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.Before you start pruning, step back and assess the overall shape of your tree. You're aiming for a goblet shape that allows for good airflow and sunlight penetration.
- First, remove any crossing branches and inward-growing shoots.
- Next, shorten the previous year's growth by about one-third.
- Make clean cuts just above an outward-facing bud to encourage growth in the desired direction.
Apricots and peaches
To prevent the spread of diseases like silver leaf and bacterial canker, it's crucial to prune stone fruit trees like apricots and peaches at the right time.
- Young Trees: Prune young trees in early spring, just after the first buds begin to swell.
- Established Trees: Established trees can be pruned in the summer, typically after fruit harvest. This timing reduces the risk of fungal infections.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the health and productivity of your stone fruit trees.
Damsons and plums
Damsons, plums, and cherries are best pruned in early spring or mid-summer. Avoid pruning during autumn and winter, as this can increase the risk of disease. While these trees don't require the same level of specific pruning as apple and pear trees, early training and the removal of old wood can help to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
Citrus
Citrus trees require minimal pruning, but a light trim in February can help maintain their shape and health. Thin out any crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation. If your tree has become leggy or overgrown, you can prune it back by up to two-thirds. Regularly remove any vigorous new shoots that emerge from the base of the tree, as these can weaken the main trunk.
Cherry
Cherry trees can be pruned in late July or August to reduce the risk of diseases like silver leaf and bacterial canker. However, light pruning can also be done in spring to shape the tree and encourage new growth. Cherry trees are vigorous growers, so regular pruning is essential. By removing excess growth and shaping the tree, you can maintain a balance of old and new wood, which is crucial for fruit production. Remove crossing branches, overcrowded shoots, and any diseased or damaged wood.
While we've covered some common fruit trees and pruning techniques, there's a vast world of fruit tree cultivation to explore. From espalier to fan and cordon training, there are numerous techniques to experiment with. This guide is a starting point to help you get started on your fruit tree journey.
Ready to harvest your own homegrown fruit? Now is the perfect time to plant fruit trees. Visit Carpenters Nursery garden centre to explore our wide selection of high-quality fruit trees and essential pruning tools. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to offer expert advice and help you choose the ideal trees for your garden.
