Q&A for How to Prune a Fruit Tree

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What is the best time of year to prune fruit trees?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

It is best to prune fruit trees in early spring just before the buds start to grow and while the tree is still in winter dormancy.

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Question

What is the best time of year to trim trees?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

For trees that don't bloom flowers, it is best to trim in the winter while the tree is dormant. For trees that bloom in the spring, trim just after the tree finishes blooming in late spring.

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Question

In what month should I prune apple trees?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Prune your apple trees in the late winter months, which would be January and February in the U.S.

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When should I prune my citrus tree?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

You should prune citrus trees after the harvest. Ideally, do it in the winter through the early spring.

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I have an orange tree with a lot of dead branches. Should I prune them, or cut them off?

Community Answer

You can prune off as many dead branches as you like. Make sure they really are dead first, however; the tree could go into shock if you prune too many live branches! Try to break them first. If they bend, they're alive; leave them alone and don't prune them. If they are dead, they'll break; you can prune them.

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Fruit on apples and plums have set. Should I cut away other branches to allow more sunlight to reach the fruit?

Community Answer

The best time to prune is after the last cold snap of the winter season. Even when the tree is budding is almost too late.

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Should I remove shoots growing from the trunk of a small Clementine tree?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, those shoots will just compete with the main trunk (which you don't want).

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Question

I have a plum and an apricot tree that have never been pruned. What should I do?

Community Answer

Prune them in the winter, taking off up to 10% of the total mass. Prune for the characteristics you want, don't be afraid to cut!

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Question

Can I trim the top of my young pear tree?

Community Answer

Yes, you can trim anywhere on a tree, but take some considerations. If you trim the top of the tree this may affect the shape, making it more short, flat and rounded. This effect is enhanced on a young tree. Also, be careful what time of year you trim the tree. Pruning during winter months while the tree is dormant reduces the chance of damage to the tree and allows for maximum production the following spring/summer.

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Question

Why prune during the rest period?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Pruning during dormancy is recommended so that the tree's sap loss is minimized. It's best to prune after the coldest part of the year, however, to prevent freeze-damage to freshly cut surfaces.

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Question

My fruit trees have two trunks due to my bad pruning, will they ever produce fruit?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, they will produce just fine. You can leave the two trunks if you want, or (for reasons of aesthetics and unobstructed growth) you can cut the least robust trunk down at ground level if you prefer. If you do that, immediately coat the cut in tree paint (wound dressing) to seal it against pests and moisture.

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Which types of fruit trees should have a central leader, and which types should I prune?

Donagan

Top Answerer

All fruit trees should be encouraged to broaden and have a relatively open interior for purposes of sunlight penetration and air circulation.

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