March is a good time to prune apple and pear trees. Mid-April is the best time to prune stone fruit like peaches and plums. Today we’ll discuss pruning apples.
Prune annually. There should be minimal pruning done to trees planted in the last 2-3 years. Remove only the rubbing or diseased limbs. Years 4-6 require light pruning. More mature trees require more vigorous pruning. The desired shape can vary but a cone shape works well. Here are some basic principles.
- Remove dead and/or broken limbs
- Remove diseased limbs 8”-12” below the infected area
- Remove suckers(last year’s growth that grew straight up) inside the tree and around the base of the trunk
- Keep the tree open so air can easily move through and sunlight can get inside
- Remove prunings that contain disease
Want to learn more about growing backyard fruit? Attend the Monday, March 10, 2008, Backyard Tree Fruit Program at Penn State Worthington, Dawson Building room 14. This free program will run from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. Call 963-6842 to make a reservation.
John Esslinger, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
