Q&A for How to Prune Blueberries

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Can I prune in July?

Community Answer

Fruit is borne on one-year wood. Pruning in summer and fall, before buds are visible to the eye, sacrifices next year's fruit. Late pruning also stimulates new growth that leaves bushes vulnerable to winter cold damage. With dormant pruning, canes are seen clearly and large flower buds stand out on one-year wood.

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Can I trim back several feet of new growth safely?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, assuming it's a healthy bush. Just keep it well watered, and it should be fine.

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Question

When should I prune blueberries?

Community Answer

The best time is the late fall normally around the first frost. You can also prune in the spring before the leafs come on. If you prune in the summer the growth and berry amount will be a lot less.

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A neighbor's lawn service ran over the blueberry bush I planted a month ago with a weed wacker. It was young, only about 12 - 15" tall and was doing very well. Is there any chance it will survive?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If the roots are OK, it probably will be fine. Keep it watered.

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My blueberry bushes are about 30 years old and have never been pruned. They bear berries but the bush is so tall that I can't pick many that are in the top. There are not that many around the bottom. What should I do?

Barb Comstock

Community Answer

If it is winter, and the bushes are still dormant, you can prune now. Normally I would say to not too much, just any dead canes, and maybe two big canes. Encourage an open growth habit with a narrow base and wide top. In your case, where they haven't been pruned, you might to do a top pruning just below the height you want. Don't keep any dead canes or crossed canes––take those out first, then stand back and look to see where you want to prune next. This heavier pruning will affect your crop for this year but your bush will be better for the care you are giving it.

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How do I prune blueberry bushes that have only a few leaves and mostly empty canes?

Community Answer

Use a sharp scissors or trimmer to remove any dead leaves or dried areas. This will help the plant focus on keeping the healthy parts growing, rather than the dead parts.

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I have a 25-plus year old blueberry bush that hasn’t been pruned in that time. If I aggressively prune, expecting minimal fruit, will it survive?

Community Answer

You can prune your blueberry bush, but make sure to too prune to aggressively. Make sure to prune your bush when it's dormant. Closely tied to crop production, plant health, and fruit quality, pruning too aggressively – or not aggressively enough – impacts your blueberry's performance.

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Question

I bought a blueberry bush. Last year it produced like 10 berries. I had it in my attic over the winter, it is now July and it has no leaves and has not grown. Is it dead? Can I bring it back?

Community Answer

If you make a cut on one of its branches, if the branch is green underneath it is fine but if the branch is brown and feels hollow it is probably dead. Blueberry bushes cope in below 0 temperatures, so pop it in a sunny spot in the garden, well watered and prune back a few branches and hopefully it will come back to life. Don't put it back in the house over the winter - leave it out!

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Question

What's the strategy of controlling blueberries as they grow?

Community Answer

Pruning your blueberries will control them as they grow. Follow the steps in the article to prune your blueberries.

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Will my blueberry bushes be okay if I pruned them in early spring? I live in a northern climate.

Community Answer

Yes, best time is late February. You can still expect frost up until mid May in most areas of the UK, but it should be fine!

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