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Fruit & Orchards

Just identified trees need pruning.

14 years ago

I have inherited (by virtue of buying our house) a small orchard with a few plums, peaches, etc. Trouble is, none were identified until now (because of the fruit, and we are beset with weedy pears and cherries which are difficult to differentiate at other times of the year) and all look like they have never been pruned. Not once, not ever. Some have deer damage on the trunks but appear to still be very much alive. They are all 15-25 feet tall, sparse, with very upright branches and structure and some dead wood. Can I cut them back hard now and expect healthy trees later, or should I wait until winter?

I'd appreciate any advice.

Thank you,

Ellie

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Comments (4)

theaceofspades
14 years ago
I would not 'cut the tops' off those fruit trees. Mature fruit trees are prone to water sprouts that could grow taller than the limb you cut off. Cut crowding limbs as close to the trunk as you can. Rub off any shoots that grow from the cut wound area.

While prunning it helps a lot to spray and mulch the trees to induce heavy fruit loads so the water sprouts can be controlled. Heavy fruit loads on pear can bend the branches down till they point to the ground.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
14 years ago
I would not try and catch up 10 to 15 years pruning in one year, but I would get started now by cutting out all dead wood and crossing branches. In a month or two I would again prune to remove some of the upright "water sprouts". Save some that are positioned to be able to tie down to a more horizontal angle to fill vacant areas. Next years dormant pruning will be a lot easier and you will soon have your trees in shape. Al
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northernellie
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you both for your input. I appreciate it.

Ellie
glenn_russell
14 years ago
Ellie-
There are some informative videos up on YouTube on how to prune neglected fruit trees. You might want to check that out as well.
-Glenn

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