Pruning apple trees
Tamela Asked
Can I still prune my apple and pear trees along with other trees this time of year?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Tamela: The ideal time to prune fruit trees in Kentucky is late winter or early spring. Pruning dead, diseased, or damaged branches can be done any time of the year. Plant selection, proper pruning, and growing conditions are essential for healthy, long-lived trees that produce high yields. Fruit trees should be pruned at a young age to create a strong structure with a central leader and four to five lateral branches. This will make harvesting easier. If you have older fruit trees that have been neglected and require heavy pruning, it is best to remove one-third of the larger branches over consecutive years. The following publication from the University of Kentucky has detailed information on pruning and Growing Fruit Trees in Kentucky. I hope this is helpful.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
