Wrapping up this series on dormant season pruning with some final observations and tips on my 30 years of fruit tree pruning.

Fruit tree pruning is a general descriptor. Pruning each tree can be different depending on the age of the tree, health of the tree, type of fruit they produce and when last they were pruned. For example, an Italian plum is pruned almost in an ornamental style while apple trees are reduced and contained in the typical fruit tree style. Cherry trees can respond better when more severely reduced. Pear trees are a busy mess that requires thinning and side containment to support its heavy fruit.

Grace Tree Service

Remember a few articles back that the main objective of fruit tree pruning is quality of fruit, quantity of production and a pickable framework. Last week, I cautioned not to remove all the water-sprout growth, (mostly leaf bearing branches that grow straight up) but instead prune to have a balance of both leaf bearing branches AND fruiting branches.

My tip for fruit tree pruning goes back to this conversation about water-sprouts. As you inspect each fruiting branch, prune out those upright water-sprout shoots evenly along the branch. I really do try to think like a tree when I prune. The conversation in my head is something like, "If I were a fruit tree branch, I would want room to grow by having space around me, receive plenty of filtered sunlight but also need an occasional spot of shade." Depending on size and age again, this might be a water sprout every 6 to 12 inches along the branch. Prune out the tallest ones and leave the shortest. Reduce the end of the branch as needed if it is too long or spindly to support fruit. Always try to prune back to a lateral branch similar to the size of the one you are removing.

What to expect

I encourage anyone really wanting to learn for themselves, to give it a try! Healthy trees are very forgiving if you don't get all Edward Scissorhands with them. As the trees respond to your pruning, they will also teach you more each year as they show you how they responded to your pruning cuts.

If you would like a consultation to kick you off in the right direction with your fruit trees, an estimate to prune them for you or any other tree-related questions, give us a call today! Dormant season is waning.

Edward Scissorhands

Thank you for following, and I will turn next week's article back over to Dev. As always, for further questions, quotes or consultations, give us a call today, 208-762-5800!

For more information on Grace Tree Service, check out our website at gracetreeservice.com.

If I were a fruit tree branch, I would want room to grow by having space around me, receive plenty of filtered sunlight but also need an occasional spot of shade.

Putting it in context

The further produce travels, the more compromise is involved, which is why local supply still shapes menus in ways that price alone cannot explain.

What to remember

  • Remember a few articles back that the main objective of fruit tree pruning is quality of fruit, quantity of production and a pickable framework
  • If you would like a consultation to kick you off in the right direction with your fruit trees, an estimate to prune them for you or any other tree-related questions, give us a call today!
  • Thank you for following, and I will turn next week's article back over to Dev

What people ask

What should you know about Grace Tree Service?

For more information on Grace Tree Service, check out our website at gracetreeservice.com.

What happens next?

As the trees respond to your pruning, they will also teach you more each year as they show you how they responded to your pruning cuts.

All told

As always in the produce section, the gap between what gets announced and what actually reaches people is where the real story will be decided.