Fruit Tree Pruning information from Styx Landscaping

I get asked all the time about fruit tree pruning and often asked if it's even necessary. I do believe it is an important part of training and loving your fruiting specimens to get the best crops off the healthiest trees. Here's some pointers I've collated over the years, and if you're still not sure give us a yell we'll set you on the straight and narrow. 

Some Reasons to prune your fruit trees;
1.    To encourage new growth
2.    To promote airflow
3.    To remove dead and diseased wood
4.    To keep the tree to a desirable shape and size

Pruning time is also a good opportunity to spend a bit of time with your fruiting babies to get to know them intimately. If you know what they are meant to look like you will know when they don't look right & can remedy before any damage is done.

A couple of 101 pointers for pruning;
1.    Stand back and decide on the shape of your tree and what size you want it. Stand back & review often!
2.    Remove any dead, diseased or old woody branches and anything growing below the graft (if grafted) this will be rootstock and most likely won't fruit.
3.    Thin out the centre and if possible any branches crossing through each other in the middle of the tree. This is especially important for citrus.
4.    Don't prune too early as you will promote new growth which may get damaged by the mid Winter cold. August is good down in the deep South, late July early August is ok in warmer climates.
5.    It is a good idea to spray for any known pests and copper spray after pruning to help prevent curly leaf and other fungal diseases.
6.    Prune in fine weather to help prevent disease and rot.
7.    Stand back and appreciate your hard work. Be sure to remove any prunings from your site.

If you are unsure, or are going to struggle to find time to get to your pruning, give us a yell we will help you keep on top of all your garden chores!