Fruit Tree Pruning
Most fruit trees benefit from occasional pruning to ensure good airflow, sun penetration, tree health and crop production. There are a number of things to consider prior to launching in.
When to prune
Pruning is best done early summer prior to fruit formation, after harvest and after leaf fall. Pruning at these different times prompts different responses from the tree and so it is useful to know your objectives before choosing the pruning time.
Because cutting a tree opens it up to possible infection it is important to perform the operation during a period of dry and sunny weather. Stone fruit such as apricot and peach are particularly susceptible to fungal infections during wet weather.
Your requirements and objectives
What is it that you are hoping to achieve with the pruning process? Besides improving fruit production you may have other goals, such as ensuing easy access under and around your trees, reducing shade cast by the summer foliage, keeping fruit within reach, preventing branches touching nearby infrastructure etc.
Quality work and tree health
It is important that pruning is carried out correctly or it can result in poor cropping, serious health issues and shortened lifespan for the tree. Common mistakes are often the result of laziness or speed - ragged cuts and tears, branch stubs.
I take care to leave the tree in prime condition to recover from its surgery, removing any dead, damaged or diseased wood, ensuring clean, flush cuts and leaving a well balanced structure.
Effort, time and cost
The amount of work involved and the volume of branches to remove depends on the size of the tree, how long since it was last pruned and your desired end result.
Small or young trees that can be reached from the ground may only take 15 minutes while old trees require a ladder, climbing and pole operated loppers which slows work considerably and may take an 1 - 2 hours to complete a thorough prune.
My charges reflect the effort involved in performing quality and careful tree work, maintaining required tools.
To assist in scoping the extent of the work required you can provide photos of each tree.
