For young trees, while you’re getting them established into a vase shape (which is what we recommend, unless you have a reason for growing a different shaped tree) the answer is yes. During the establishment phase (the first 1-3 years after yo [...]
Pruning young trees into the right shape when you plant them is super important, as it sets the tree up correctly for the rest of its life. The shape you choose will depend on your purpose for the tree, but once you have decided what shape you [...]
Maintenance pruning of mature trees to control the height and shape of the tree, and encourage it to produce fruit and wood in all the right places! In this article we cover the maintenance pruning of all the types of fruit trees you normally [...]
By creating an annual plan for your pruning it will help you fit this important job into your busy schedule in the most efficient way, and make sure each tree is pruned at the best time. Read the article in Winter - Week 7.
Spring is not really the time for pruning but it’s a good idea to keep your secateurs in your pocket while you’re thinning your fruit, and nip off any bits of diseased wood you come across. Read the article in Spring - Week 8.
Until your apples and pears start producing leaves and then flowering, they can still be pruned (but you should have finished your pruning on anything that’s started flowering). Knowing whether your trees are spur bearing or tip bearing will h [...]
We normally prune cherries and apricots post-harvest, when the tree has finished most of its summer growing. However, having the secateurs handy when you’re doing the thinning can be useful, and save a bit of work later on. Read the article in [...]
