Tips for Pruning Apples and Pears this month

Pruning apple and pear trees may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple guidelines, you can ensure a healthier, more fruitful harvest. One crucial consideration is how much to prune. Aim to remove between 10-20% of the overall canopy in a single winter, working around the tree evenly. If your pruning pile starts to look substantial, don’t hesitate to stop; there’s always next year to continue.

It’s important to understand that excessive pruning can lead to vigorous regrowth, especially if the tree is healthy. This can result in the development of upright branches known as watershoots, which can crowd the crown. To manage watershoots, prune them by about a third if they’re growing in a convenient location; otherwise, remove them from their point of origin.

The primary goal of pruning is to stimulate new growth while maintaining young fruiting wood, typically one to four years old. Creating an open centre in the tree allows more light into the canopy, promoting shoot and fruit ripening, while also improving air circulation to discourage diseases.

Stagger pruning cuts throughout the canopy. This ensures even regrowth and prevents the concentration of new growth in specific areas. Think of the process as a thinning-out, selectively removing or shortening branches to reduce overcrowding and improve overall tree health.

When making pruning cuts, steer clear of very large or very small cuts. Large limbs are prone to decay, so it’s advisable to trace the branch to a narrower section before making a cut. On the other hand, fiddly pruning is unnecessary; focus on branches between 1-5cm (½-2in) in diameter, and a fully pruned tree might only require 10-20 cuts in total.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully pruned and productive tree.