When To Prune Fruit Trees

Pruning forms a very important aspect of growing trees. The activity usually involves removal of diseased, non-productive and otherwise unwanted portions from a tree of a plant. The main reason behind pruning a tree is to control or direct its growth, maintain its health as well as increase the yield or quality of its fruits. The process brings about a balance between side shoots of the present and previous years, thus aiding a tree's development. While pruning a tree, the knowledge of method is as important as the timing. In the following lines, we have provided information on the best time for pruning fruit trees.

 

The time of pruning fruit trees depends upon the age of the particular tree. So, the first thing that you need to have is information whether your tree is one, two, three or four year old. Let us know more about the best time for pruning fruit trees:

 

A one-year old tree should be pruned immediately after planting. For the purpose, you need to chop off the upper-half of the tree, with secateurs, making sure that the bottom half contains at least four buds or formed branches. In case the bottom half has less than four buds or formed branches, it is better to make the cut higher, above the fourth bud.

 

A two-year old tree should be pruned in the period lasting from December to February. While the growth of the previous tree should not be pruned, the older ones should be pruned by a third. Make sure that you cut just above an outward facing bud.

 

A three-year old has its pruning period during the months of December to February. In this case, the pruning process will be similar to a two-year old tree. While pruning, remember to make a cut just above an outward facing bud.

 

For a four-year old, the best pruning period will comprise of the months from December to February. The new growths i.e. the ones that grew last year should not be pruned, unless diseased. Rather, you should concentrate on the older shoots and prune them up to 2/3 of their original size, just above an outward facing bud.  

 

Five Years Or More
By the time a tree is five-years old, its basic structure gets established. While the timing of the pruning will be December to February only, the style will differ. You will prune the center of the tree, keeping it relatively clear of growth. At the same time, remove all weak or diseased growth. Still, make sure that you keep at least 50 percent of the previous year's growth.