1. Fruit Tree Pruning John Strang U.K. Dept. of Horticulture

2. Reasons for Pruning • Reduce tree size • Control tree shape • Make trees structurally strong

3. Reasons for Pruning • Improve light penetration • Flower bud initiation • Fruit color • Pest control

4. Reasons for Pruning • Removal of diseased wood • Fruit rot control

5. Partially reduce crop load Facilitate cultural operations Reasons for Pruning

6. Reasons for Pruning • Keep the crop close to the ground

7. When to Prune • Dormant season • February – bloom • Prune old trees first • Young trees last • Exceptions • Peaches after bloom

8. Pruning Equipment

9. Types of Cuts

10. Types of Cuts

11. Avoid Leaving Branch Stubs

12. Pruning

13. Pruning

15. Remove Narrow Branch Angles Strong Weak

16. Branch Spreading

17. Opens tree up for sunlight and spray penetration Reduces shoot and limb vigor Encourages flowering Branch Spreading Too little Too much

18. Apple Limb Spreading

19. Apple Central Leader Pruning

20. Apple Pruning

21. Central Leader Tree

22. Pear Pruning – Multiple Leader

23. Pear Pruning – Multiple Leader

24. Pear Pruning – Multiple Leader

25. Pear Pruning – Multiple Leader

26. Peach Pruning –Open Center or Vase

27. Peach Pruning Open Center or Vase

28. Peach Pruning

29. Peach Pruning

30. Peach Pruning

31. Peach Pruning

32. Tart Cherry Pruning

33. Tart Cherry Pruning

34. Tart Cherry Pruning

35. Apple – Dwarf High Density • Slender Spindle • French Axe • Vertical Axis • See HortFact-3501 • Training and Culture of Dwarf Apples Using the Vertical Axis System

36. Pruning Neglected Trees

37. Remove dead wood Reduce tree height Cut out 3-4 large branches Cut back to outward growing branches Pruning Neglected Trees

38. Pruning Neglected Trees

39. Pruning Neglected Trees

40. Pruning Neglected Apple Trees