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Pruning fruit trees generally starts from the day they are planted. The goal of pruning is to control growth, minimize disease threat, maximize fruit production and make picking convenient.
There are specifics to each tree. There is not a one size fits all pruning style for all types of fruit. However, for homeowners, the bar is lower for proper pruning because trees will still produce sufficient fruit if a few mistakes are made.
Some tips: Apples and pears should be pruned using a central leader or modified central leader pruning system. This involves developing a central leader with layers of branches spaced relatively evenly emanating from the main trunk.
Grapes
- Pruning and training grapes starts the day they are planted.
- Where grapes are planted determines the pruning style. If they are planted properly and trained onto a post and wire system, production can be maximized. If planted on chain link, they will still produce, but not as productively.
- Grapes should be pruned in late January or early February.
- They must be pruned annually. If they are let go and then heavily pruned, it makes them mad. They may not produce for 1-4 years after heavy pruning.
- if they are pruned in March, they will bleed for several days.
- How to prune. Go to a demonstration or download a fact sheet. If mistakes are made, they grow back.
Take home messages: Home orchards can often be pruned professionally for around $25 per hour. There are many pruning demonstrations sponsored by cities, Extension, conservation gardens, etc. Many garden centers sponsor them too. Don't become over whelmed. They grow back.
