Pruning a Fruit Tree Off Season

Whether you planted the tree yourself or it came already planted on a piece of property you’ve bought, fruit trees require care year-round, and pruning them is necessary. One time that that a fruit tree needs a prune to be done is during the summer. Often considered “off-season pruning”, performing some landscaping on the tree is just as vital as it is in any season. This is to help with repairing any possible damage done to the tree limbs and making sure to prune away any ragged edges.

The time to start doing this is around the middle to end of July and early August. The most common trees that need to be pruned in the summer are peach, nectarine, and Japanese Plums. They grow with such abundance and vigor that often their limbs can be overtaxed and will not be as sturdy as other fruit tree limbs. By pruning, you help take some of the strain off the tree and you also help relieve and light or airflow issues that such abundance may cause.

The goal of summer pruning it to remove what may be considered dead or damaged parts of the tree by removing dead limbs. You will want to either cut them away or snap them off to remove any parts that may be causing too much stress to the tree. Also, you don’t want any limbs to be rubbing that will cause some inward growth. This will promote new growth and a sturdier structure. It can also increase the light reaching some of the deeper hanging fruit and make them more delicious for harvest.

When it’s time for landscaping, make sure not to do it if it is going to rain as soon as you are done. Rain will cause any diseased elements to spread and may mean having to prune away even more. Also, avoid doing too much pruning. This is meant to take a small amount from the tree to help it with its growth. Also, be sure that you don’t prune too late in the season.

As always, if you want a professional to help, contact us for an estimate.