What is the best time to prune different fruit trees?

The timing of pruning activities makes the difference between vigorous and poor trees. Each kind of fruit tree has its own seasonal requirements. Pome fruits, such as the apple, require winter treatment, but stone fruits, such as the peach, need summer pruning. If these conditions in pruning are understood, it will also prevent disease and promote maximum production.

According to experts, pruning wounds are damaged by extreme temperatures. Wood will split when frozen at temperatures below 25°F. If healing temperatures exceed 95°F, trees are stressed. From forecasts, I know when stable openings will occur for pruning. Mornings are best, as no sun scalding will happen at that time on fresh wounds. It is always advantageous to have dry weather rather than perfect temperatures.

Stone fruits require specialized care. For pruned peaches, the time for cutting is immediately after harvesting. This is to prevent silver leaf fungus. I finish pruning cherries by the first of August. Delays are hazardous in that the cuts may be exposed to winter fungi. Summer cuts heal quickly, as this is the period of normal active growth.

First-year trees benefit from light spring training, whereas mature trees get uniform seasonal treatment. I list the dates I plan to cut back the trees on my orchard calendar. Consistent cutting habits over time lead to healthy trees with a productive life in decades.

Read the full article: Fruit Tree Pruning Guide: When and How to Prune