NOTE: Care must be taken when making pruning cuts to remove branches, for more information please see the article – Tree Pruning, How to Remove Tree Branches Correctly In the following sections, we’ll learn how to make pruning cut, and what to cut, to keep a tree to a manageable size and consistently fruiting. This article explains the technique of fruit tree maintenance pruning or detail pruning in it’s most simplified form. The art to fruit tree pruning is not something that can be taught in a short article or video, but basic pruning technique is quite easy to understand, and once grasped, almost anyone can maintain a fruit tree, and do so successfully, year after year. Some types of trees require special care when pruning to prevent disease, pests, and growing problems, so always research your tree's specific requirements before pruning it.Fruit tree pruning is both an art and a science. Avoid cutting the leader, or the vertical stem at the very top of the trunk, on a young tree.

Prune back any crossing branches or branches that grow in toward the middle of a young tree, and cut off lower branches on the trunk as the tree grows to raise the crown. Properly pruning young trees is especially important so they grow to be healthy and well structured. Cut close to the branch collar, the swollen area at the base of the branch, when pruning. You can also remove lower branches to raise the crown if you need more clearance under the tree.

Thin some of the branches in an overcrowded tree to allow more light and air to reach the crown. You should also remove any branches that are bigger in diameter than the trunk. Remove any suckers, which look like small stems, that grow up from the ground or base of the trunk. When pruning, aim to remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches, as well as any downward-growing limbs or branches that are entangled or crossed. For thicker branches, you can use a small chainsaw. You’ll need pruning shears to cut branches less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and a hand saw to remove branches up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The best time to prune a tree is during the dormant season, or late winter through early spring. Pruning a tree can improve its appearance, prevent pests and disease, and help the tree grow strong and healthy.

Download prunes tree