Fox
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:42 pm
Location: PA, USA

Is Pruning Necessary?

Last year, I bought and planted two nursery-stock apple trees and a self-pollinating sour cherry tree. But I didn't prune them. I didn't realize I was supposed to, or else I forgot. Now it's going to be spring in a few months and I don't know if I can bear to cut them back to scrawny things. They are looking quite good right now up close, despite the lack of leaves due to winter.

So is it necessary to prune fruit trees? Will they be too weak, or not bear, if I "forget" to do it again this year? ;)

I hope someone knows. :D

Newt
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1868
Joined: Tue May 25, 2004 10:44 pm
Location: Maryland zone 7

Hi Fox,

It's important to train and prune your apple trees during different stages of growth for optimum production and better health of your trees. You don't have to prune them into little twigs though. Here's how to prune and train apples.
https://www.eap.mcgill.ca/CPTFP_7.htm
https://www.cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/h-312.html
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/apple/apple.html


At this second site you'll find lots of helpful info as well. Be sure to scroll down to cherry trees.
https://www.aboutcherrytrees.com/pruning_cherry_trees.shtml
https://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/index.html#https://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/pruningstonefruittrees.html

This site shows closeups of how to make the pruning cuts.
https://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_prune/prun001.htm

Newt

Fox
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:42 pm
Location: PA, USA

Thanks for the links! I will try to study these and hopefully figure out how to properly prune.

Newt
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1868
Joined: Tue May 25, 2004 10:44 pm
Location: Maryland zone 7

Fox, you are so very welcome! I think you'll do just fine with those links as the pics are a lot of help.

Newt



Return to “All Other Fruit”