Topic: pruning fruit trees

[mutty042130]

I have a apple and pear tree(two varieties on each tree).they are getting a bit big and need pruning.the pair tree has very little fruit on one and abit more on the other.the apple tree has no fruit (loads last year)when is the best time to prune them and how ?

[mutty042130]

cant anyone help ?

[Sinbad7]

I think it might be March/April, am waiting to do my plum tree.

Sure someone will come along if I am wrong and let us know the correct month.

Sinbad

[Robert_Brenchley]

Do your plum during the summer; winter pruning leaves it vulnerable to silver leaf fungus. Other trees can also be summer pruned, though winter is the traditional time.

[Sinbad7]

Thanks Robert

Sinbad

[calendula]

you really need to name the varieties to get the best advice - some might be tip bearing fruit and even if not you don't want to prune off the fruiting spurs - the little tight knobbly side shoots - summer prune only to take out diseased wood or to keep shape shape, winter prune for the main but as I said don't over do it or you'll lose next year's fruit

[Robert_Brenchley]

Not only do you have to consider that, heavy winter pruning tends to stimulate more rapid growth. I was winter pruning crossing branches on my fruit, till I realised I was cutting out the same branches every year! A bit of summer discouragement stopped that.

[Sinbad7]

Mine is a Victoria Plum.  Has some fruit on this year but some of the leaves are crinkled,which makes me think it has some sort of problem,so thought a good prune might help it.

Sinbad

[Robert_Brenchley]

Can you get some closeup pics of the leaves? That sounds more like disease or pests to me.

[Sinbad7]

Wont be able to take any until next week now but as soon as I can I will post a photo.

Sinbad