Topic: pruning fruit trees - weather

[anemone]

I need to prune my fruit trees and was all set to do that today, but its looking like snow later. Is this okay or should I wait?

Thank you.

[worldor]

I would wait for a milder day but what do I know.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Go ahead, it's OK.

[Tulipa]

Which fruit are they?  This is the perfect time to prune say apple trees but stone fruit like plums need to wait until the risk of frost is passed, so both the above posts are the right answer! :-\

[70fingers]

Plum trees should be pruned in June when they are growing strongly to prevent silver leaf disease.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Nurseries prune them in winter, and don't get epidemics of silverleaf!

[anemone]

Thank you! It's done now -  apple and plum trees. The plum trees were very overgrown though so it did need to be done.  I left two completely alone so fingers crossed !

[Robert_Brenchley]

Better to get it done before the sap rises. All the energy is still in the roots this time of year, so this is when you do your severe pruning, and it all goes into making new branches. Summer pruning takes energy away from the plant as it's all in the leaves and shoots. So you do that to shape it gently and restrict growth.

[small]

This year we have done a major prune on apple and pear trees, and have often as not worked while it was actually snowing.  We always prune over winter and have never had problems, it's a better time for the massive bonfires as well because no-one has washing out.....

[Tulipa]

We always prune our apple trees in January, as you say small it is the perfect time and have done it in the snow too.   :)