
You can also visualize where you want the tree to look in five years, and remove branches that don’t fit that vision. It may sound crazy, but this visual is a good rule of thumb to remember how much to prune away. Finally, imagine throwing a cat through the tree. Next, cut away water sprouts and suckers, which grow near the base of the trunk, from the roots, or at the top of the tree. You’ll definitely want to prune away diseased and dying branches. The basics, for beginners to keep in mind, follow. This is the expertise that our certified arborists have spent decades honing. With experience, you’ll get a feel for the art and science of pruning, as you anticipate how the tree reacts to your cuts.

Hormones dictate plant growth, so understanding the flow and cycle of these hormones is paramount to understanding how your cuts will affect plant growth down the road. Additionally, you might need to purchase a pruning ladder to access upper branches.Ģ. Expect to pay between $100 and $250 in total for these three items. You may also want a quality pair of two-handed loppers (AKA brush cutters), and a pruning saw.

Of course, pruning requires a set of decent pruning shears, as well as a sharpening stone to keep the blade sharp. Here are some useful fruit tree pruning tips for those in the DIY crowd:ġ. Assuming you’re following safety precautions, it’s empowering to learn how to properly prune and train your fruit trees. Working at height is rife with fall hazards. Of course, you should always prioritize safety first when pruning. This is generally true, but as Portland tree pruning experts, we consider fruit tree pruning accessible for most homeowners. You may have heard that tree trimming is best left to professionals. Winter is well suited for training branches to grow into the shape of your choice removing water sprouts (branches growing straight up), and eliminating crossed branches.ĭIY Fruit Tree Pruning Tips From A Tree Care Expert. At the end of the branches, new buds are starting to form for the next growth and fruiting cycle. Energy gathered from summer sunlight is stored in the tree’s roots. During the cold months, the plant is in an inactive state, storing up energy for the following growth cycle. Winter is the best season for pruning fruit trees because this is when they are dormant. Why Prune Fruit Trees in the Winter? Annual pruning is important for all fruit trees in Oregon.

We also discuss a common conundrum for fruit tree owners: What to do with extra fruit. Read on for fruit tree pruning tips, including whom to contact for tree pruning services.

In this article, our leading arborists discuss why December and January are the ideal months for fruit tree pruning. When to Do It & What to Do With Extra Fruit
