Your fruit tree has arrived and it’s time to plant it in the ground. You may be wondering if you should prune it first, and if so, where do you begin?
In this brief three-minute video, Sorelle Farms owner Ed Donnelly demonstrates how to prune a young fruit tree.
QUICK TIPS:
Apples, Plums, Peaches, Nectarines: Cut off the central trunk about 3 feet up to open up the middle. Clear out any branches growing into the middle. If two branches are growing side by side, cut off one. Remove any branches that are rubbing against others. Leave 4 to 6 branches evenly spaced around the trunk.
Pears: Pears are vigorous growers and will require more active pruning. Create good airflow, removing the thinnest branches, especially the branches growing upwards.
Cherries: Cut early and low. If there is no substantial low branching, then prune off the main trunk at about 3 feet. This will force new shoots to develop lower down.
Persimmons: Pruning will be similar to cherries. Keep branching low, as its fruit is quite heavy.
Nuts: Remove suckers. No other pruning is necessary.
Mulberries: Clear out tangles.