pruning fruit trees - weather

Started by anemone, February 20, 2010, 10:10:48

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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.

anemone


worldor

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

Robert_Brenchley


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.   :)

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