Planting fruit trees adds a pop of color and beauty to your property. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefit of having tree-ripened fruit at any time. To maximize growth, fruit bearing, and overall beauty, here are a few arborist-recommended tree pruning tips. 

Top 4 Fruit Tree Pruning Tips

1. Focus on Training in Early Years

Most trees don’t bear fruit for the first several years after being planted. During the early years, your primary focus should be on training the tree so it’s prepared to bear fruit in the future. To prepare a tree before it reaches maturity, prune it heavily and eliminate secondary stems and crossed branches. 

2. Prune When Dormant

Most fruit trees are seasonal in terms of flowering, leaves, and budding. To promote fruit production, prune your tree during the dormant months. Cutting tree branches back to just before the bud will stimulate additional growth moving forward. This process will also get rid of weak branches to prevent breakage. 

3. Thin Out & Secure Framework

Fruit trees require great strength in their branches and trunks to sustain the added weight of mature growth. To help create a solid framework and canopy, make sharp and rigorous cuts to ensure the strongest branches set the tone for your tree. Retain the healthiest branches and prune downward, weak, crossing, or water sprout growth. 

4. Maintain the Trunk

Eliminate dead, damaged, or diseased wood on the trunk. A healthy trunk clear of debris will grow stronger roots and, in turn, bear additional fruit. Also, cut away sucker growth, or vertical sprouts coming from the base of the trunk. 

 

If you need professional assistance with fruit tree pruning, turn to Arborist Services in Hilo, HI. Residents and business owners across the Big Island depend on this ISA-certified, family-run organization for comprehensive tree maintenance. To get a free estimate, call the arborists at (808) 895-6537. For more information on their specialties, visit them online.