Suckers can be pruned whenever convenient -- I don't think it matters much.

Scott

Bart:

Whether it is technically summer or not, if the tree needs pruning, prune it. You may not get the full, growth-retarding effect, but you will get some of it. I am still pruning my trees now, and won't really be finished until the end of September. I have a lot of trees, and loading up all the branches on the pickup and taking them to the recycling center is quite a bit of work.

I remove suckers whenever I have the pruner in my pocket and the suckers attract my attention. No particular time for that. First I try to jerk them up, and if that doesn't work I cut them below ground level. They come back, but the alternative is a big mess around the base of the trees.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Thanks guys!

I think I misspoke when I said "suckers". What I meant was "watersprouts". I assume I can take these guys out at any time too, right?

While we're on the subject, should all vertical branches be removed? One of my pear trees has some mostly-horizontal branches with lots of vertical branches coming off of them. Some of them are nearly an inch thick at the base.

Should I just remove them all and leave the horizontal/scaffolding branches in place?

Thanks!
Bart

As a rule I take out all branches that point straight up or straight down from horizontal/scaffolding branches.

Waterspouts come out as soon as noticed. It's just a shame for the tree to put all that energy into making all that clutter!

Good luck,

M

my experience has been that if you prune it too hard at this time of year you will invigorate the tree. The sap will remain up and in the event of a quick decline in temperatures you could have damage to the smaller wood on the tree.

Thanks Geraldo!

If I just take out the watersprouts, will that invigorate the tree? I wouldn't think it would, but what I know about fruit trees can fit into a thimble and still have room for a bushel of apples!

Bart

If they are just this current year's risers then you can remove them. But I took it to mean your tree hadn't been pruned in some time so it might have risers that have been allowed to grow and have three or four year old wood of their own. I would not remove those at this time of year.
In rereading the OP I see that you are referring to the risers that came after removing that overgrowth. Yes, those should be removed, I feel, anytime other than dormant. Ideally they should be removed when you can just take them off by rubbing your hand over the limb.
The last several years we have had temps in the teens right around Halloween and I want my trees in as near a dormant state as possible.

Hi every one, I am brand new to pruning and fruit trees. My question is about an apple (perhaps a dwarf?), but I post my question here as it has to do with timely-ness of pruning. I see a couple of "suckers" coming out at the base and while I am sure they need to go, the tree started opening its blooms 2 days ago (I'm in Vermont). Is this a safe time to prune? wait for summer? and do I cover the cuts with something, a wrap? a paint? these are just below the soil line. Also can I root what I cut off (just for fun, and perhaps future grafting) do I need to use a rooting hormone? I can post a picture if need be.
Thank you,
F

F:

You seem to be talking about rootstock suckers, and you can take them out any time, whether by jerking them out or pruning as deeply as possible. They may come back in the course of the growing season, and if they do, cut them again.

Yes, rootstock suckers are clones of the original rootstock, and can be used for future grafting. If you can jerk up a woody sucker, it will often have some of its own roots. Planted immediately, it should need no rooting hormone.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA