There’s a short window for pruning fruit trees, and we’re in that window now.
One of the benefits to pruning now is the snowpack. The abundant snow makes for a natural step ladder and allows for easier access today than in the coming weeks. Additionally, pruning now will allow the tree to heal ahead of the emergence of insects and the diseases that they sometimes carry.
Pruning also requires the correct tools; hand pruners, loppers, and pole saws are among the most beneficial. Remembering to disinfect your tools after each cut is also important to avoid spreading any disease that may linger in isolated spots on the tree.
Being selective when pruning begins by ridding the tree of broken branches followed by removing vertical branches. A tree with horizontal branches is the goal. "Our fruit bearing trees actually produce much better on horizontal branches than on vertical branches," says Tom Kasper.
Sometimes the process can take several years. Remove only a small amount of wood from the tree, then plan on doing a little more next year.
