It is important to prune deciduous trees (peaches, nectarines, apples and pears etc.) in the first three years, as this is when their shape and size is established. Fruit trees should be pruned during late winter, in South Africa the best time for pruning fruit trees is roughly between late June, July and early August depending on where in the ...Step 4: Shorten the new red growth. If you look at each of the remaining branches closely, you will be able to notice the difference in the colour of the wood. The new season’s growth will generally be red in colour. You want to trim back this red growth, leaving only around 45 cm of new growth on each branch.Learn the best time and methods for pruning fruit trees in Central Illinois, a key step to increase fruit quality, reduce diseases and improve tree health. Find out … 1. Prune Fruit Trees When Dormant. The best time for pruning fruit bushes and trees is when the bush is dormant and its leaves have fallen off. It makes it easier to see where you are cutting. Removing dormant buds generally stimulates new growth from remaining growing points. Pruning fruit trees and bushes in peak summer time is one that needs ... Pruning fruit trees is one of the most important aspects of fruit tree maintenance. It can increase fruit production, help mitigate disease of the tree, and ...Apr 15, 2021 · Fruit trees and spring-flowering shrubs and trees produce flowers on the last year’s growth and, technically, could be pruned anytime. For size reduction, evergreens need to be pruned annually by removing only 1/3 of new growth. Do not prune into old wood, as it may stunt the plant. 1. Start at the base and remove all the suckering growth and any downward-facing branches. 2. Remove any crossing limbs from the centre and any whippy growth from the top of the tree. If a branch ...2) Space Out Your Trees. Take long branches or sturdy bamboo canes (2.4m long is ideal) and tie these to the wires, at an angle of 45 degrees to the ground. This marks the angle and spacing of the trees, and is the support to which the main trunk of your cordon fruit tree will be tied.Pruning fruit trees in South Africa Pruning deciduous fruit trees helps to stimulate new fruiting wood, which results in the development of better quality fruit. (Evergreen trees are not pruned, except for occasional trimming.) Pruning fruit trees into an open cup shape allows adequate sunlight and air-flow into the centre of the tree. It is …Quick facts. Suitable for Apples and pears grown as bush or standard trees. Timing November to early March. Difficulty Easy. Jump to. Suitable for... When to prune. An …When the tree is entirely bare of all branches, this gives it a chance to revive its growth and produce more fruit. Benefits of Pruning Citrus Trees. Deciduous fruit trees need pruning for better plant health and fruit yield. Pruning helps stimulate the tree, improve the branch structure and prevent branches from breaking or hanging too low ...pruning fruit trees will help in many ways. It will help with fruityields, reduce transplant shock, increase air flow, disease reduction,and keeping the over...Pruning is an essential task for maintaining the health and productivity of your fruit tree. It helps improve air circulation, sunlight penetration, and fruit quality. One of the m...Spring/Summer/Winter (3 times) Table legend: Training pruning: for young subjects, to give the fruit tree a shape. Maintenance pruning: to remove dead and diseased wood, eliminate branches that cross and touch each other (sensitivity to diseases). Fruiting pruning: to increase fruit production, to ensure ripening and enlargement of the fruit. Pruning & Training. Young trees are pruned to train them to become structurally sound, to make them easy to care for and to ensure the production of high quality fruit. Pruning will: Remove undesirable wood- dead, broken, and crossing branches. The optimum time of year to prune fruit trees is the dormant season, December, January (best) and ... Summer pruning should merely maintain the structure which you define with heavier pruning in winter/early spring. Heavy pruning should always be saved for when ...1. Choose The Right Time To Prune. If your tree is growing outdoors, you have a tighter timeline in which to prune your orange tree. This will also depend on where you live, and the climate in your area. The short answer is you should prune your orange tree between February and April.It is important to prune deciduous trees (peaches, nectarines, apples and pears etc.) in the first three years, as this is when their shape and size is established. Fruit trees should be pruned during late winter, in South Africa the best time for pruning fruit trees is roughly between late June, July and early August depending on where in the ...Presentation Material: Backyard Pruning Presentation, notes used in class for fruit tree pruning. Covers pruning different types of fruit trees, why, how and when to prune for both structure, shape, and fruit production. Fruit Tree Pruning video for the presentation slides above, includes UC's 10 pruning tips for fruit trees (Video 1:28:25)Pruning concepts. Two kinds of cuts are used to prune fruit trees: heading and thinning. Both are required because without heading, the trees will not make the needed branches and will grow too tall, and without thinning the growth is too dense and will shade lower wood, which inhibits flower bud formation. 1. Prune Fruit Trees When Dormant. The best time for pruning fruit bushes and trees is when the bush is dormant and its leaves have fallen off. It makes it easier to see where you are cutting. Removing dormant buds generally stimulates new growth from remaining growing points. Pruning fruit trees and bushes in peak summer time is one that needs ... The best time to prune fruit trees is generally in the spring while trees are dormant. Summer pruning may be fine, encouraged, or even necessary in some circumstances. Fall pruning isn’t recommended and should be avoided. Here is what you need to know about the timing of pruning fruit trees. So while I did learn that summer pruning isn’t as ...Feb 11, 2024 · When pruning fruit trees, make sure you prune flush against the branch or trunk at a forty-five-degree angle. Any uneven cuts or abrasions can gather moisture and rot or become infected. 1. Spring cleaning. Remove any deadwood, brittle branches, and damaged leaves. There are three main reasons to prune fruit trees. These reasons are to help the tree survive transplanting, to stimulate growth and to shape it so the root system can support the ...When to prune citrus trees. 'The best time to prune most types of citrus is either early in spring before the citrus tree has begun to flower and produce fruit or after the last harvest (typically in late fall),' says Andrew Gaumond. 'As a general rule, you can prune back your citrus tree anytime, even when it is producing flowers,' says ...Tips on proper fruit tree spraying times are normally dependent on the types of sprays used. Here are the most common types for spraying fruit trees and the best time for spraying trees to prevent future issues. General-purpose spray - The easiest way to take care of all possible pests and problems with your fruit trees is by using a general ...Here are some useful fruit tree pruning tips for those in the DIY crowd: 1. Use the Right Tools. Of course, pruning requires a set of decent pruning shears, as well as a sharpening stone to keep the blade sharp. You may also want a quality pair of two-handed loppers (AKA brush cutters), and a pruning saw. Expect to pay between $100 and $250 in ...8 Tips for Pruning Fruit Trees in Summer. 1. Get the Timing Down. Summer pruning is best accomplished in mid to late summer. This can be anywhere from July to September, depending on where you live. You’ll know it’s time to summer prune when the majority of branch tips have set a terminal bud.For fruit-producing trees, trim branches by making small, thin slices just past the flowering buds. Early spring is typically best, but in Ohio, most types of plum, cherry, peach, apple, and pear trees—as well as nut producers—can be trimmed during the late part of dormancy. For best results, spread the snip-sessions over a couple of seasons.Plums: pruning. Plum trees do not require as precise pruning as apples and pears, but still benefit from initial training and the thinning of old wood to ensure they produce as much fruit as possible. Plums are pruned in early spring or mid-summer to avoid infection by silver leaf disease. Pruning plums.The primary goal of pruning and training fruit trees is to improve sunlight distribution. Apple leaves almost harvest at least 30 percent of the sunlight available on a sunny day to operate at full capacity and for fruit to obtain maximum size, color, and sugar levels. Where as with a grain crop, 100% sunlight interception is optimal. With ...Spring/Summer/Winter (3 times) Table legend: Training pruning: for young subjects, to give the fruit tree a shape. Maintenance pruning: to remove dead and diseased wood, eliminate branches that cross and touch each other (sensitivity to diseases). Fruiting pruning: to increase fruit production, to ensure ripening and enlargement of the fruit.When to prune a tree depends largely on what needs to be accomplished by the pruning and the type of tree. Light pruning and removal of dead or diseased branches can be done at any...May 22, 2022 · When you first plant your fruit tree, you should prune the new stem down to about 24-30 inches and remove any side shoots. Once your tree is mature, you can cut back about 20 per cent of the length of each stem, to a new bud. This will keep your fruit tree healthy and provide an abundant of fruit year after year. Apple trees are a popular choice for home gardeners and orchard owners alike. Not only do they provide delicious fruit, but they also add beauty to any landscape. However, in order...Apr 15, 2021 · Fruit trees and spring-flowering shrubs and trees produce flowers on the last year’s growth and, technically, could be pruned anytime. For size reduction, evergreens need to be pruned annually by removing only 1/3 of new growth. Do not prune into old wood, as it may stunt the plant. Learn the benefits, methods, and best times of pruning fruit trees for optimal growth and yield. Find out how to prune in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, and what tools and techniques to use. Learn when and how to prune your apple and other fruit trees in winter, spring or summer depending on the type of fruit and the goal of the pruning. Find out the best …Gardenia trees are prized for their beautiful, fragrant flowers and lush green foliage. To keep your gardenia trees healthy and looking their best, proper pruning and shaping is es... Fruit trees need pruning for two primary purposes: to establish the basic structure, and to provide light channels throughout the tree so that all the fruit can mature well. A well pruned tree is easier to maintain and to harvest, and adds esthetic value to the home garden as well, but the primary reason for pruning is to ensure good access to ... Limit pruning of mature trees in areas where fire blight is a problem. Use as few cuts as possible to remove damage and thin the canopy. Remove suckers that grow from the base of the tree or in the crotches as they appear. Read more about fire blight here: Fire Blight, WSU Extension. Pruning your trees in stages is suggested to avoid putting ...Winter is a great time to be pruning fruit trees, like apples, because they are dormant and it’s easier to see what is going on. Giving them a good haircut will keep …Feb 13, 2017 ... Regular & proper pruning is needed if you want your fruit trees to have lots of healthy fruit. Late winter is the best time to prune fruit ...Feb 10, 2015 ... Exactly where you make the cut is important, too. Prune each branch back to a point one-quarter inch above a bud that faces the direction you ...Pruning Apple Trees. Apple tree trimming is beneficial for several reasons: removing diseased or damaged limbs, maintaining a controlled height from which fruit may be more easily picked, developing a strong structure for fruit production, and encouraging new limbs. Pruning apple trees is essential to the overall health of the tree.Step 1: Start with the Right Tools. To prune an overgrown fruit tree, make sure to have a pruning saw, ladder, and hand shears. Before you begin, make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Since fruit trees can grow quite large, and we are pruning one that is overgrown, a pruning saw is almost certainly in order.The biggest benefit to your fruit trees is going to be proper watering and proper pruning. Water your tree well in those first three years and it will pay off in dividends in the years to come. Pruning a tree badly is worse than not pruning a tree at all. You'll cause more problems, more disease, more malformation.Pruning fruit trees should be seen as an essential task, especially apricots as they are fast-growing fruit trees that can start bearing fruit quickly. A tree may survive and produce fruit without pruning, but a fruit tree that is regularly pruned will be healthier, more vigorous, and, most importantly, will produce a bounty of fruit every year.Pruning fruit trees needs to happen when the leaves are off and the tree is dormant. It will be easier to see what you are doing and removing the dormant buds or growing points will invigorate the left over buds. Summer pruning that is normally done by food manufacturers will remove the leaves which slows down fruit ripening and will …Annual pruning is more critical for peaches (and nectarines) than for any other fruit tree type. Always prune peach trees to an “Open Center” shape. An open-center structure keeps the tree’s canopy open to light, which is necessary for the development of good fruit and helps prevent brown rot, a notorious enemy of peach trees. Pruning Tips The best time for pruning fruit trees is in January to early March. Later in the spring is better, especially with peaches. Pruning can slightly reduce winter hardiness of the trees. If trees are pruned in early winter, the coldest weather is still to come and may expose the trees to damage. To maximize tree health and fruit size, it is good to prune your fruit trees yearly. Dead or diseased wood can be pruned out any time of the year. Just make sure you’re disinfecting your loppers, pruning shears, or saw between each cut to avoid spreading disease. Use a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution for disinfecting.Annual pruning is more critical for peaches (and nectarines) than for any other fruit tree type. Always prune peach trees to an “Open Center” shape. An open-center structure keeps the tree’s canopy open to light, which is necessary for the development of good fruit and helps prevent brown rot, a notorious enemy of peach trees. Pruning TipsThe more experienced will prune these growths back very hard, almost down to the base as the harder you prune, the more of those dormant fruit buds will be forced into growth. Summer pruning usually starts in June, check your trees every 3 weeks until growth has finished in the early autumn. Prune all of the side growths but not the leader.But fruit trees, in particular, need regular – and proper – pruning. Here’s how regular maintenance pruning will help your fruit trees –. Open up the tree canopy to allow more sunlight to infiltrate the inner parts of the tree – Fruit needs sunlight to ripen. Proper pruning removes branches and leaves that shade out developing fruit ...Feb 23, 2022 · The biggest benefit to your fruit trees is going to be proper watering and proper pruning. Water your tree well in those first three years and it will pay off in dividends in the years to come. Pruning a tree badly is worse than not pruning a tree at all. You'll cause more problems, more disease, more malformation. Apr 17, 2023 · When cutting branches with buds, cut at an angle about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) above a bud that faces away from the trunk of the tree. This encourages healthy, new growth. 3. Cut off any watersprouts and downward-growing branches. Prune away and branches growing downward, since these won’t be able to bear significant fruit. finish bark grafting trees: summer pruning: support fruited branches: extract mason bee cocoons: Oct: Apple and Pear Harvest 2 nd Sat: prepare ground for spring planting: avoid late. pruning: monitor anthracnose and begin control after harvest: Nov: begin transplanting. nursery. trees: Dec: planting: collect scionwood: begin dormant pruningPruning fruit trees in containers is generally a breeze when compared with pruning fruit trees in the orchard. Since gardeners usually choose dwarf cultivars for container planting, potted fruit tree pruning is less arduous. Also, easy access to the tree is guaranteed. If you are wondering how to prune a potted fruit tree, you’ll be happy to ...To prune dwarf fruit trees, trim back about one-third of the growth each year during the dormant period and make angled cuts 2 inches out from the trunk to a...When cutting branches with buds, cut at an angle about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) above a bud that faces away from the trunk of the tree. This encourages healthy, new growth. 3. Cut off any watersprouts and downward-growing branches. Prune away and branches growing downward, since these won’t be able to bear significant fruit.Pruning a half standard fruit tree - the second year: TRANSCRIPT. In this video, we show how to prune a fruit tree in its second year of life to form a half standard. Half standards are taller than bush shaped fruit trees, but not so tall that you need a crane to pick the crop: ladders will do. It is important to prune fruit trees for the first ...Improve fruit size and quality of fruit c. Maintain vigorous, healthy trees d. Manage tree size and shape for ease of harvesting and spraying e. Maintain fruiting spurs or grow new wood for next year’s fruit WHEN AND HOW TO PRUNE a. New trees—the day they are planted b. Established trees—every year while the tree is dormant (late winter ...Pruning fruit trees should be seen as an essential task, especially apricots as they are fast-growing fruit trees that can start bearing fruit quickly. A tree may survive and produce fruit without pruning, but a fruit tree that is regularly pruned will be healthier, more vigorous, and, most importantly, will produce a bounty of fruit every year.Tips on proper fruit tree spraying times are normally dependent on the types of sprays used. Here are the most common types for spraying fruit trees and the best time for spraying trees to prevent future issues. General-purpose spray - The easiest way to take care of all possible pests and problems with your fruit trees is by using a general ...In Southern California, the ideal time to prune fruit trees falls within the dormant season, typically from late December to early February. This period, characterized by reduced growth and leafless branches, provides an opportune window for pruning as trees are less susceptible to stress and disease.Pruning fruit trees in containers is generally a breeze when compared with pruning fruit trees in the orchard. Since gardeners usually choose dwarf cultivars for container planting, potted fruit tree pruning is less arduous. Also, easy access to the tree is guaranteed. If you are wondering how to prune a potted fruit tree, you’ll be happy to ...Pruning fruit trees in containers is generally a breeze when compared with pruning fruit trees in the orchard. Since gardeners usually choose dwarf cultivars for container planting, potted fruit tree pruning is less arduous. Also, easy access to the tree is guaranteed. If you are wondering how to prune a potted fruit tree, you’ll be happy to ...Pruning apple trees is an essential task for any orchard owner or enthusiast. It not only helps maintain the health and shape of the tree but also promotes better fruit production....When should I prune my fruit trees? The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring just before the beginning of active growth. If large blocks of ...After you plant a young tree, prune the tree back about one-third to account for root disturbance. As the tree grows, let the main trunk grow upward with limbs coming off the main trunk. Limit the branches to the number that produces well for that species. Remember that too many branches will result in smaller fruit.Timing to avoid winter-kill. In general, you should avoid pruning in early fall (before trees drop their leaves and enter dormancy). Pruning cuts stimulate new growth. When you prune in early fall, that new growth will be killed by the first heavy frost. The fall growth stimulated by pruning uses stored energy reserves at a time when a tree’s ...The primary goal of pruning and training fruit trees is to improve sunlight distribution. Apple leaves almost harvest at least 30 percent of the sunlight available on a sunny day to operate at full capacity and for fruit to obtain maximum size, color, and sugar levels. Where as with a grain crop, 100% sunlight interception is optimal. With ... It also covers proper pruning principles to create an open canopy, remove water sprouts, and encourage horizontal branching. Properly pruning apple trees will maximize healthy fruit production. Pruning is also necessary to remove dead, diseased, and damaged wood, to increase light penetration, to heal wounds and reduce disease, to manage fruit ... Learn when and how to prune fruit trees correctly to boost your harvests. Find out how to let light in, tame growth, encourage new growth, and avoid common mistakes.1. Choose The Right Time To Prune. If your tree is growing outdoors, you have a tighter timeline in which to prune your orange tree. This will also depend on where you live, and the climate in your area. The short answer is you should prune your orange tree between February and April.If you have trees in your yard, keeping them pruned can help ensure they’re both aesthetically pleasing and safe. However, you can’t just trim them any time of year. Learn when is ...Maintain the open center to prevent shading of the interior portion of the tree. Retain shoots that grow horizontally and 12- to 18-inch fruiting shoots, regardless of their orientation. Thin fruiting shoots to a spacing of about 4 to 6 inches apart on the limbs. The pruning system best suited for all stone fruits that keeps the fruit-bearing ...Mar 9, 2023 · This practice will ensure that the remaining fruit will attain the largest possible size. Following the last year of rejuvenation pruning, apply a light application of fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is to apply 0.5 pounds of 5-10-10 for each inch of trunk diameter, measured 18 to 24 inches above the soil line. What fruit trees to prune and when? This is the perfect time to start pruning deciduous fruit trees like stone fruit and pome fruit, grapes, mulberries, persimmons, figs and kiwifruit. Pruning needs to be carried out annually to stimulate fruit production. Don't confuse deciduous fruit trees with evergreen types such as citrus that only require ...Aug 1, 2022 · 8 Tips for Pruning Fruit Trees in Summer. 1. Get the Timing Down. Summer pruning is best accomplished in mid to late summer. This can be anywhere from July to September, depending on where you live. You’ll know it’s time to summer prune when the majority of branch tips have set a terminal bud. When to prune established fans. Prune fans in spring and summer on a dry day (when the risk of fungal infection is low). Removing leafy growth helps to restrict the vigour of trained fruit forms. Redcurrant and gooseberry fans should be pruned in mid-summer and again in winter. Apples and pear fans should be pruned in late summer when growth ...Step 1 : Remove all suckers. Step 2: Start pruning each scaffold limb one at a time, beginning with the lowest scaffold limb first. Start at the tree trunk and work your way towards the end of the branch. Prune for health, structural strength, and flower and fruit production and to thin out crowded branches.Jun 29, 2021 · Once your trees reach maturity—usually about 3 years after planting—they should be pruned annually to enhance tree growth, reduce fruit thinning, and adjust crop load for the following season. Pruning creates strong branches and allows proper sunlight to enter the canopy. Most fruit trees on Vancouver Island should be pruned during the winter months of December, January, and February. It is essential to remember that pruning aims to promote healthy development and support the production of high-quality fruit, regardless of the variety of trees. It's always best to hire a professional tree service.When to Trim Citrus Trees in Arizona. Spring is the optimal time for trimming citrus trees. If they are trimmed between the middle of March to early May, it reduces the risk of the tree being damaged by extreme temperatures. The citrus fruit is ripened during late fall, with most varieties coming in between November to February.Jul 15, 2005 ... Leave the laterals intact because they will develop fruiting spurs for next season. And the little stubby bits of growth, which are fruiting ...
But fruit trees, in particular, need regular – and proper – pruning. Here’s how regular maintenance pruning will help your fruit trees –. Open up the tree canopy to allow more sunlight to infiltrate the inner parts of the tree – Fruit needs sunlight to ripen. Proper pruning removes branches and leaves that shade out developing fruit .... Fifa pc
Learn when and how to prune fruit trees for optimal health and productivity. Find out the tools, techniques and terms you need to know for different fruit tree varieties and styles.Heavy pruning stimulates vegetative growth and reduces or eliminates fruit production. When heavily pruned, many fruit trees produce water sprouts that grow vertically from branches. These water shoots produce little if any fruit …published January 05, 2024. Some of the most popular fruit trees require pruning annually in winter to keep them healthy and productive. The likes of apples and pears, which are …Why is it important to prune fruit trees? · Encourages growth · Boosts fruit production · Protects against tree-related diseases · Eliminates dangerous ...Annual pruning is more critical for peaches (and nectarines) than for any other fruit tree type. Always prune peach trees to an “Open Center” shape. An open-center structure keeps the tree’s canopy open to light, which is necessary for the development of good fruit and helps prevent brown rot, a notorious enemy of peach trees. Pruning TipsStep 1: Start with the Right Tools. To prune an overgrown fruit tree, make sure to have a pruning saw, ladder, and hand shears. Before you begin, make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Since fruit trees can grow quite large, and we are pruning one that is overgrown, a pruning saw is almost certainly in order. It also covers proper pruning principles to create an open canopy, remove water sprouts, and encourage horizontal branching. Properly pruning apple trees will maximize healthy fruit production. Pruning is also necessary to remove dead, diseased, and damaged wood, to increase light penetration, to heal wounds and reduce disease, to manage fruit ... Heading is to shorten a shoot, a branch or a leader. Use this type of cut to stop growth (e.g., the branch is too high or in the way of the mower), or redirect growth (e.g.,to send a branch outward) or to stimulate spurs on laterals. Understand this: a headed back shoot, will fork. Heavy-handed heading stunts your tree and makes it dense and ...By: Amaya Atucha, Fruit Crop Specialist Late winter is an excellent time to prune your backyard apple trees and proper pruning helps your trees to produce ...You should wait until your tree's dormant before you pull out your shears. This is going to be easy for you and best for your tree. It's going to be easier ...8. To lower the height of old neglected trees, remove the top 1/3 of the tree by cutting above large side branches Fruit Trees — Stone Fruits Newly set trees 1. Prune cherries, plums or prunes to a central leader as for apples and pears 2. Prune peaches to a height of 18-24" and remove all laterals. In June when shoots grow, select three thatWhy is it important to prune fruit trees? · Encourages growth · Boosts fruit production · Protects against tree-related diseases · Eliminates dangerous ...Feb 10, 2015 ... Exactly where you make the cut is important, too. Prune each branch back to a point one-quarter inch above a bud that faces the direction you ... Fruit trees need pruning for two primary purposes: to establish the basic structure, and to provide light channels throughout the tree so that all the fruit can mature well. A well pruned tree is easier to maintain and to harvest, and adds esthetic value to the home garden as well, but the primary reason for pruning is to ensure good access to ... Always cut as close as possible to the base of a branch without damaging the main stem. If you need to remove a large branch, tackle it in stages to avoid damaging the bark or causing any untidy tearing to the wood. Last of all, carefully cut back to the main trunk. Prune to maintain the shape of your fruit trees. Fall pruning happens in the fall after the leaves have fallen & the tree is mostly fruited.. This is the best time to prune your fruit tree because it gives you plenty of time to prepare for winter. You don’t need to prune in the spring unless you want to do some light trimming. Springtime is usually too cold and wet for pruning.Remove vertical branching and water shoots’ regularly. Peach & Nectarine Trees: These trees flower on new wood made the previous summer, so prune hard to encourage new growth. Otherwise, fruit will be produced further and further out on the branches each year. Don’t remove too many flower buds or the current season’s crop will suffer. 1. Prune Fruit Trees When Dormant. The best time for pruning fruit bushes and trees is when the bush is dormant and its leaves have fallen off. It makes it easier to see where you are cutting. Removing dormant buds generally stimulates new growth from remaining growing points. Pruning fruit trees and bushes in peak summer time is one that needs ... Pruning of fruit trees is important to develop and maintain productive wood that in turn produces high quality fruit. It is usually best to do light to moderate pruning each year rather than do more severe pruning at several year intervals. Pruning can be very confusing and intimidating. There are no specific instructions that describe precisely the pruning process that will be applicable for ... .