Sunlight to the interior of the tree is essential for flower bud formation and fruit ripening. Suckers grow from below the graft union and divert energy from the grafted tree. Shoots, water sprouts, and vertical branches drain a tree's energy. Pruning maximizes fruit production and health by controlling vegetative growth. An unpruned tree may grow upward without bearing until the fruit is out of reach or the tree is too large for the space. Shorter trees and lower fruit growth make for easier harvesting. A crotch angle between 45 and 60 degrees is ideal because the bark can develop fully. A narrow crotch (branch) angle is weak at 17 degrees or less, the bark gets pinched between the branch and trunk, trapping water and promoting rot. Good shaping works with a plant's natural growth habit to develop a strong primary structure to support the full weight.Įncouraging good branch angles can prevent them from breaking in high winds or under fruit load, which can tear deep into the trunk and endanger the whole tree. Apples and pears may also demonstrate alternate-bearing, every other year, if not pruned. The interior of unpruned trees tends to be too shady for good production. Pruning can improve both the quantity and quality of the harvest. For more information read our guide to tools for pruning, and if you’re looking to update your kit, our experts have been busy testing the best pruning saws, the best secateurs and the best anvil loppers, so you can buy with confidence.Removing dead and diseased wood helps prevent infection and the spread of disease. Whether it’s a pair of long-handled loppers, pruning saw or secateurs, using the right tool is essential for this task. So, whether your tree is fully established or newly planted, follow our tips below on how to prune your fruit trees. 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.
This will help to minimise pests and diseases, and enable more sunlight to reach the developing fruit in summer. You should aim to open up the centre of your tree so that air can circulate between the branches.
How to prune an apple treeĪpples that are grown on dwarfing rootstocks (M9 and M27) need little pruning, but medium or large trees benefit from being cut back hard.
This is because the trees are dormant in winter, so by cutting back branches and shoots, you are concentrating the flow of sap in spring into fewer buds, resulting in stronger growth. While summer-pruning fruit trees encourages flowering and fruiting, pruning in winter controls the overall shape, size and health of your tree.
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