Pruning is Simple
Pruning gives you tastier and better fruit, keeps your tree healthy and is very simple. Just follow the tips below and you can't go wrong and remember the tree will always forgive you.
Pruning newly-planted young apple and pear trees.
In North East Wales this is traditionally done in March.
Year 1 Newly planted tree – just let it grow and settle in Year 2 If it has reached the height where you wish it to start branching prune off the tip at the height you want the branches to start. If not let it continue to grow and cut back its side shoots by a third.
Year 3 Prune back last year’s growth by about half.
Year 4 Prune last year’s growth by about a quarter on the main branches and if a spur bearer (see your tree's label or the variety chooser.) prune side branches back to 3 or 4 buds.
Year 5 onwards Prune out any dead, damaged or diseased wood Prune out any crossing branches.
Spur bearing trees (see your tree's label or the variety chooser.)
Prune back main branches by a third of last years growth Prune back side shoots to 5 or so buds.
Tip bearing (see your tree's label or the variety chooser.)
Cut out about a ¼ of old wood that has fruited. Prune off the top 3 buds of the main branches.
Pruning newly-planted young plum trees- prune in spring or summer.
Year 1 Newly planted tree – just let it grow and settle in.
Year 2 If it has reached the height where you wish it to start branching prune off the tip at the height you want the branches to start. If not let it continue to grow and cut back its side shoots by a third.
Year 3 Prune back last year’s growth by about1/2.
Year 4 Prune last year’s growth by about a ¼ on the main branches and If a spur bearer (see your trees label or the variety chooser.) prune side branches back to 3 or 4 buds.
Year 5 Onwards Prune out any dead, damaged or diseased wood Prune out any crossing branches.
Cut out about a ¼ of old wood that has fruited. Prune off the top 3 buds of the main branches.
Welsh Orchard Fruits
North East Wales Orchard Growers
