Fruit tree pruning time arrives

By Carl Hoffman,
University of Minnesota Extension
Sharpen those pruning tools because fruit tree pruning time is here! Mid February through the first week in April is the best time of the year to prune fruit trees. Dormant pruning of fruit trees minimizes the possibility of fireblight in crabapples, apples and pears as well as canker diseases in cherries and plums. Pruning too early in the winter, however, may result in winter injury and branch dieback.

When pruning, it is important to use strong, well-sharpened tools. Pruning equipment will last for many years if properly cared for; making an investment in good quality tools a wise choice. A home gardener needs three basic pruning tools; a pair of lopping shears, a pair of pruning shears and a good pruning saw. It is important to use tools made specifically for pruning and to keep them sharp and clean.

When pruning the trees, start by cutting out broken, dead or diseased branches. Cut out all thin, weak wood and remove any surplus branches so that light can penetrate and air can move freely through the tree. This will allow the fruit to color well when it ripens and facilitates easier harvesting. The free movement of air through the tree will curtail the development of fungus diseases, especially sooty blotch and fly speck. Remove branches that have narrow, weak crotches and cut back any branches that droop from the weight of a former fruit crops. When heading back branches, it is important to cut just before a bud on the upper side of the branch so that the branch that develops will grow upward rather than downward.

Remove waterspouts which are those succulent, vigorous shoots that grow straight upward on the inside of the tree. These watersprouts are heavy users of water and nutrients while producing small amounts of fruit.