Raspberry pruning - to lop, or not to lop.

[newspud9]

My summer raspberries have always fruited well but the taste can sometimes be a bit weak.  As the canes usually grow anywhere from 4 to 6 feet, do you think I might get more growth going into the fruit if I lop them now and restrict their height.

many thanks for all the responses

[newspud9]

[realfood]

It will not affect the taste, and will reduce the crop. In very wet seasons, rasps may seem to be a bit "watery". Do you know which variety they are?

[chriscross1966]

I always thought the only way was to take off the fruited wood sometime over the winter.... if you need to deal with it getting too big dig  some out and move them and tie the remaining ones in an arch...

[newspud9]

Thanks to both.  Realfood: sorry, dont know the specific variety (they were a very welcome inheritance whern I took the plot over).

[Chrispy]

My copy of RHS New Encyclopedia of Gardening Techniques: The Essential Practical Guide says to 'Cut each cane back to a bud 15cm  above the top support wire in late winter.

[kt.]

Last year was my first with summer rasps and I cut the old wood out early November.  My late rasps I cut to 6" tall early December.  both were only planted 15 months ago so have had their first cut.  never done it before, just read about it so will see what this years harvest brings.