Pruning should be carried out when the tree is dormant, between leaf fall and bud burst (usually between November and early March). All you have to do is cut off 20 to 30 percent of last year's growth. Pruning an apple or pear tree can be daunting for many gardeners. Here is a look at the 4 simple steps to get those fruit trees pruned this winter! When pruning apple trees in particular, you need to know whether the fruit is carried on ‘spurs’ or clusters of short stems along the length of the branch; or whether it is a tip bearer variety, where the fruit … Proper storage of winter keeper varieties of apples can provide you with apples through winter and into early spring. When pruning your apple trees in the winter you may notice signs of apple canker on the stems. The rule of thumb when pruning fruit trees is to do so when the tree is dormant during the winter. Correctly performed procedure will rejuvenate trees, increase their yield and improve the quality of fruits. But in the fall, growth has slowed and that may not happen. Consider the height of the branches – go for higher branches to allow for easy mowing underneath, or lower branches to make it easier for kids to climb and pick fruit. Pruning apple trees makes them better able to support the weight of the fruit, produces higher quality fruit and makes it easier for fungicides and insecticides to penetrate the tree’s canopy. However, not everyone is comfortable with how to prune trees, fruit frees, or otherwise. Pruning in the autumn should be avoided as it will encourage the tree to send out new shoots that will not be tough enough to withstand the winter. It's also important to have a pruning saw to cut off larger branches. Removing the sick and weak shoots will prevent the … Autumn pruning will keep your garden looking good through the winter and most importantly make it more productive in the spring and summer. Before you tackle pruning your fruit trees, ensure you know why you are pruning and that you have the right tools for the job. Depending on the tree, this could be anywhere between 5centimetres to 1.2 metres back from the tip of each branch. To control its shape and size. Pruning Fruit Trees to Support a Bountiful Harvest. There are numerous ways trees can be trained, according to the type of fruit and the space available. Some flower and fruit on last season’s laterals (shoots) while others bear their crops on permanent or semi-permanent "spurs". This page has been archived and is no longer updated. The aim of pruning fruit trees in the home garden is to assist the tree to produce reliable quality crops, with good size fruit on a manageable size tree. Prune ripest wood first (branches that stopped growing and … A well pruned tree is easier to maintain and to harvest, and adds esthetic value to the home garden as well, but the primary reason for pruning is to ensure good access to sunlight. Winter prune deciduous fruit trees such as apple, pear (always lightly), peach, nectarine, cherry and plums. Keep your fruit trees productive, healthy and looking good with a regular pruning routine. Restricted forms such as espaliers, cordons, fans and pyramids are managed with summer pruning, although some pruning is done in winter in their formative training. Although pruning is preferably carried out over the winter months it is possible to prune as late as March when the leaves are starting to grow again. Summer pruning removes leaves (food manufacturer), slows fruit ripening, and exposes fruit to sunburn. Pruning apricot trees at least once a year is necessary in order to have healthy plants. Taking care of fruit seedlings includes the obligatory pruning of the crown. Where thinning or removal is required, remove spurs on the underside of the branches, where the developing fruit will not receive enough light, and produces inferior fruit, Open the centre of the tree by removing larger branches at point of origin with a sharp pruning saw. the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9. Untamed or diseased trees will not only fail to flourish or bear good fruit, they can be a real health hazard to humans. Autumn pruning will keep your garden looking good through the winter and most importantly make it more productive in the spring and summer. When it's time to prune, focus first on removing dead or dying branches. Winter is a great time for planting, setting-up, pruning and maintaining espaliers. filling a gap – can be pruned by about third to encourage branching. The best way to feel confident in pruning is to understand the different effects pruning at different times of year can have on deciduous fruit trees. Apple or pear espaliers and fans are pruned in the same way, each branch being treated as a separate cordon. "Now is a great time to prune. However, cutting back sweet cherries is an exception to this rule. The optimum time of year to prune fruit trees is the dormant season, December, January (best) and until the middle of February, but note summer schedule for Apricots. It also maintains a healthy shape and reduces the risk of diseases taking over. 1. To tackle most pruning jobs, 3 basic tool… Autumn is a busy season in the pruning calendar, the perfect time to remove old growth to get plants into shape. Factors to consider when pruning Fruit Trees. Pruning fruit trees is an essential part of promoting growth in the next season, as figs apparently only emerge from newly grown branches. Autumn pruning of fruit trees and shrubs should be carried out annually. Newly planted raspberries and hybrid blackberries should also be pruned. It is also important to clean the blades from tree to tree. More extensive pruning should be done in late winter/early spring, unless you have a sappy tree, like maples or fruit trees. It is then easier to identify dead or dangerous branches. Even with regular winter pruning, apple and pear trees are likely to become gradually larger making picking more difficult and potentially outgrowing the available space. To remove branches that become infected by disease, damaged by animals or storms. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. Pruning is an essential part of plant care, but you must take care to prune at the correct time of year. Summer pruning depletes the tree's resources and will help reduce vigour. The metal blades and teeth on pruners and saws can easily carry disease from tree to tree. Read more. A well pruned tree is easier to maintain and to harvest, and adds esthetic value to the home garden as well, but the primary reason for pruning is to ensure good access to sunlight. Pruning fruit trees is not as difficult and scary as many are led to believe. This three-step guide to pruning fruit trees will demystify the whole process and make for healthier, happier harvest! In autumn, leaves fall off deciduous plants and trees take a winter “rest” until warmer spring temperatures wake them up. Initial fruit tree pruning is important to help young trees produce thick stems and open canopies where light and air can enter and promote flowering, as well as reduce fungal and bacterial diseases. Note: this is done it addition to winter pruning and so is a little different from the summer pruning that is carried out on restricted fruit trees such as cordons and espaliers. The fruit tree crops you work with for each of these activities is dependent on your local climate. Free-standing fruit trees or bush trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they're dormant, in winter. Jun 02, 2016 5:25am. Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. Why Prune? Pruning can allow more sunlight and air to filter through the trees and shrubs, which can help keep them healthy. Cleaning the blades is equally important. It keeps them healthy, attractive and balanced, and … Pruning fruit trees in autumn performs many functions. Avoid tip bearing varieties when buying a tree to shape, as it is necessary to spur prune these plants to keep the shape. Autumn-fruiting raspberries (primocanes) should be cut back in late winter to within a few centimetres of the ground. Winter pruning of fruit trees. Blunt tools can cause branches to tear, leading to wounds on the tree that will attract disease. 020 3176 5800 Read on for an in-depth guide to looking after your Fruit Salad Tree in Autumn. Deciduous trees and shrubs need a light pruning every autumn. Apples and pears: pruning made easy. In fact, some tree services, such as pruning fruit trees to maximize fruit production, should only be done while trees are dormant during winter. Pruning your tree not only helps it look better, but also stimulates new growth and helps the tree produce optimal numbers of healthy apricots each year. When thinning the shoot is removed completely to the place of its growth, that is, to the annual ring. Fruit trees can be pruned in winter, spring or summer depending on what you want to achieve from the process. In winter cut the spurs out to prevent crowding. A bush tree is the most common form of fruit tree, with an open arrangement of branches growing from a short trunk. Young tree in early autumn before winter pruning, RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected Plum trees need to be pruned once a year so that they'll retain a healthy shape and produce abundant fruit. Pruning fruit trees is a necessary undertaking. Note: this is done it addition to winter pruning and so is a little different from the summer pruning that is carried out on restricted fruit trees such as cordons and espaliers. If you want the tree to grow taller, leave the leaders and cut back lateral branches leaving about six buds. They provide interest in all seasons: stunning form in winter, flowers in spring, fruit in summer and autumn’s foliage. In the thickened crown, pests and diseases accumulate.that causes a decrease or even loss of the entire crop. Often it is necessary to prune trees when they are fully leafed out, so you can see where and how much to cut. Pruning trees impacts upon how they will grow next year. This isn’t ideal as they crowd the crown. The best time to manage fruit trees is when all the fruit has been harvested. Why Prune? While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. 1. Basic rules for pruning fruit trees in the fall. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Prune summer-fruiting raspberries … Ultimately trees may require renovation. Dormant pruning has many benefits, not only for the trees, but for the person pruning. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Fruit trees need pruning for two primary purposes: to establish the basic structure, and to provide light channels throughout the tree so that all the fruit can mature well. It is best to avoid pruning fruit trees when the tree is producing leaves, flowers, or fruit as this requires a lot of energy from the tree. The best way to feel confident in pruning is to understand the different effects pruning at different times of year can have on deciduous fruit trees. When to Prune a Cherry Tree. Initial fruit tree pruning is important to help young trees produce thick stems and open canopies where light and air can enter and promote flowering, as well as reduce fungal and bacterial diseases. Free-standing fruit trees or bush trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they're dormant, in winter. Pruning trees is of no small importance, because it depends on it how correctly the crown of the plant will be formed. In this fully revised edition, you’ll find updated advice by the RHS experts on what, when and how to prune. Is this a good time to prune fruit trees? There are two types of pruning cuts: 4 Simple Steps To Prune Fruit Trees In The Winter. Basic rules for pruning fruit trees in the fall. Fruit trees are a wonderful way to grow food with little effort in your yard. It is vital to use sharp, clean tools when pruning. Neglecting to prune your fruit trees won’t stop production of fruit. It contributes to the normal wintering of plants, the rapid growth and development of plants in the next year, and also lays the foundations for the next harvest. If you prune during the winter period when the plant is in full dormancy, you'll promote growth in spring, but if you prune now in the autumn, after fruiting, you'll promote flowers and therefore fruit in the springtime - which is what I want." Branches that are overgrown or weakened by disease can take an eye out or crush a person. The best time for pruning fruit trees is at planting and in subsequent years, in early spring before buds break and trees are still dormant . If you have never been involved in pruning trees before, or have been pruning all your life but never read about best practice, this short post can help. Trees that are not pruned become less productive and congested with old branches. Video: features of pruning fruit trees in the fall. Remove shoots growing inside the crown, forming an unhealthy competition with the main skeletal branches, creating a shadow of the main fruiting shoots. Today we’ll talk about how to properly perform autumn pruning of fruit trees. Fruit trees need annual pruning to improve cropping, maintain vigour and develop a strong shape (sometimes called training). For redcurrants, cut the current season’s growth to a pair of buds from the base. To keep a plant healthy. Pruning shaped fruit trees. To control its shape and size. Pruning of deciduous fruit and nut trees is normally done when the tree is dormant—essentially any time after the leaves are off and prior to spring bud break. Pruning trees in spring, autumn, summer. This is not so much autumn pruning as winter pruning. For pruning one- and two-year-old trees see our page on pruning young apples and pears. Pruning apple trees in the fall helps protect plants from garden pests. If the tree has reached the desired height, cut back the leaders (the new growth at the tip of each branch) by about two-thirds. Benefits of Winter Pruning of Deciduous Trees. Rather than be put off completely or panic and inadvertently harm the tree back by excessive pruning, instead try our easy guide and enjoy a well-shaped, productive tree. However, we recommend you prune annually, to improve the quality of fruit, and to establish a strong framework of branches to support heavy fruit loads. To avoid the need to renovate, when the tree has reached an optimum size for the rootstock that it is grafted on, regulated pruning can be used instead of the process described here. Winter Pruning . Remember to be sensible and call in the experts if a tree pruning … Dull blades tear limbs and create stress and damage to a tree. A Guide to Pruning Trees in Autumn . Rejuvenate them over two to three seasons by cutting out all the dead or diseased wood as well as a few main branches to allow more sunlight in. This is because the trees are dormant in winter, so by cutting back branches and shoots, you are concentrating the flow of sap in spring into fewer buds, resulting in stronger growth. Winter pruning is used for apples and pears grown as free-standing bush or standard trees after the initial framework of branches is formed. If the tree is too vigorous, sending out an excessive amount of growth each year, consider also carrying out some pruning in summer. "Start off by going over your tree and removing any old fruit. Remove any dead, dying or diseased branches and then cut out any branches that are crossing over each other. growing closer than 10-15cm (4-6in) at the base, Remove strong shoots (great than 15cm (6in) long) growing towards the centre of the tree, On older trees, remove or thin out any spur systems that have become congested. Apple and pear trees trained as free-standing bushes are best pruned every winter to ensure a good cycle of fruiting wood. Branches that are growing into the centre of the tree can also be cut out , as prevents sunlight from reaching it. Winter pruning preps your plants to focus on growing flowers and fruit when they emerge in the spring. If this is not done, it will lead to thickening of the crown. Pruning trees is of no small importance, because it depends on it how correctly the crown of the plant will be formed. It’s true, because that’s where the most light is available. When pruning it's essential to keep your secateurs sharp. It is, however, an important chore to keep fruit trees healthy and productive. Autumn presents an ideal time for planting many fruit trees, as well as pruning and harvesting. Did you ever notice that the best fruit always seems to be in the top of the tree? Harvesting fruit from your own trees is a most satisfying activity, but care must be taken to ensure the fruit will last when stored through the winter months. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. In autumn, when the movement of sap in the trees slows down, the crowns of apple and pear trees must be thinned out, otherwise the old branches will take away strength from new, more fertile shoots. Prune ripest wood first (branches that stopped growing and have formed a terminal bud), Do not tip prune all laterals, just the more vigorous ones. Regulated pruning controls the size without affecting the fruiting potential of the tree. Training a tree that is open to the ligh… How to prune an apple tree. Most trees and shrubs are good candidates, but some varieties prefer being … Winter pruning is used to train a tree to a particular shape, or to encourage substantial growth. Plum trees need to be pruned once a year so that they'll retain a healthy shape and produce abundant fruit. If several large branches need to be removed, spread the work over two or three winters as very hard pruning encourages even more vigorous regrowth, Reduce the height and spread of any branches that have grown too large by cutting them back to a vigorous outward and upward facing lower side branch (making sure this lower branch is at least one-third of the diameter of the branch being removed), Prune laterals (side shoots) longer than 30cm (1ft) to 15cm (6in) all over the tree to encourage fruit bud formation, Spread the pruning between mid-August to mid-September. The best time to prune most apple (and pear) trees is during their dormant period; this means the apple tree should have lost all its leaves. Follow our guide below on why, when and how to prune. When to prune trees: light pruning to remove a few small branches can be done at any time. If you have pruned too hard, your tree is likely to produce vigorous upright branches called watershoots. For the first three years until fruiting begins, the aim of pruning is to develop the shape by tying in the main stem, or leader, and shortening new sideshoots, or laterals, to three leaves beyond their basal cluster of leaves. We have pruned as late as bud break, or just before the blossom … Once the leader reaches the required height, shorten its new growth annually to two buds in late August. Different types of fruits require differing techniques. Shortening others to side branches and thinning overcrowded spurs also helps stimulate new productive shoots. Why Prune? To remove branches that become infected by disease, damaged by animals or storms. Trained trees, such as espaliers, cordons, pyramids and fans should be pruned in late August or early September. The aim is to create an open goblet shape with a framework of four to five main branches. If you are new to fruit pruning or are not feeling very confident, try our pruning made easy page instead. Branches that are overgrown or weakened by disease can take an eye out or crush a person. It's a great time to check if your tree needs balancing and pruning, and also to check for any rootstock growth that can be removed. Autumn is here which means that Stone Fruit Salad Trees and Apple Fruit Salad Trees will start to shed their leaves. times, RHS Registered Charity no. It’s easier to see what you are doing and removal of dormant buds (growing points) invigorates the remaining buds. Many plants that have played a star role in borders in summer will need tidying up in autumn – cut back dead stems and top growth to prevent fungal diseases from setting in. Consider the height of the branches – go for higher branches to allow for easy mowing underneath, or lower branches to make it easier for kids to climb and pick fruit. The amount of pruning, of course, will depend on the condition of the tree. Fruit trees that are left to their own devices, without pruning, tend to become hard stemmed. To keep a plant healthy. Autumn pruning of fruit trees and shrubs should be carried out annually. To produce more flowers and fruit. Lichens and other growths are also noticeable in winter; these are not damaging to the tree but can indicate low vigour. Tino's tips for autumn-pruning deciduous fruit trees "Many people become anxious when it comes time to pruning their fruit trees they think they'll ruin next years' crop or kill the tree," says Tino. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to also give our two main fig trees haircuts as well. More extensive pruning should be done in late winter/early spring, unless you have a sappy tree, like maples or fruit trees. Otherwise, remove watershoots from their point of … The aim of pruning fruit trees in the home garden is to assist the tree to produce reliable quality crops, with good size fruit on a manageable size tree. Before; After; Next, I moved my clippers to the jelly fig tree. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. Remember to be sensible and call in the experts if a tree pruning … Whilst most trees are best pruned during late winter to early spring, some do benefit from autumn pruning. There are numerous ways trees can be trained, according to the type of fruit and the space available. Not all fruiting plants require an annual prune, and some new dwarf cultivars of apples, peaches, apricots and nectarines have been bred to eliminate the need for annual pruning and maintenance. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. The most basic concept of pruning is that by cutting it back it will promote new growth, and that’s a good thing because it encourages more fruit production. 222879/SC038262, Always use sharp secateurs, loppers and a pruning saw; blunt tools leads to strains and tatty pruning cuts, Start by removing crossing, rubbing, weak, dead, diseased, damaged and dying branches, Shorten the previous year’s growth on each main branch (primary) by about one third to a bud facing in the required direction. Prune laterals (side shoots) longer than 30cm (1ft) to 15cm (6in) all over the tree to encourage fruit bud formation; Spread the pruning between mid-August to mid-September. What to prune in autumn – pruning autumn-fruiting raspberries Thin out blackcurrants, gooseberries and redcurrants, by pruning out the fruited stems. Autumn pruning It’s better to avoid autumn pruning as this can stimulate new growth at a time when the tree is … Apple trees (Malus domestica and other species) benefit from pruning in many ways. That's not a problem during the growing season. Untamed or diseased trees will not only fail to flourish or bear good fruit, they can be a real health hazard to humans. Cut back any shoots that grow from these pruned laterals to one leaf. While summer-pruning fruit trees encourages flowering and fruiting, pruning in winter controls the overall shape, size and health of your tree. Join It is necessary to start crown formation already in a very young plant, its main task is to stimulate the strongest branches to grow and bear fruit, while those that interfere, grow in the wrong direction, as well as patients who are injured and old, need to cutting down. When planting your fruit trees, you may have envisioned a Garden of Eden-type situation with an abundance of fruit, and tidy looking rows of trees. Still, proper pruning of overgrown flowering shrubs or fruit trees near your house will help the plants produce more flowers and fruit, which can also benefit wildlife. Trees can suffer cold damage in winter and spring, which may affect fruit production. Well, if you live in a cold climate, autumn pruning is not a great idea. Because spring and summer pruning is carried out after the tree has started to develop fruits (known as setting fruits), you can avoid cutting the branches with fruits on. After the leaves have fallen in autumn, the trees structure is revealed. Easier to assess tree structure. This will encourage the development of new branches and spurs and maintain a good shape, Leave young laterals (side-shoots) unpruned so they can develop, Only remove the young laterals if they are crossing or if the growth is too crowded, i.e. However, current pruning techniques are very similar for both as it does not involve the rigorous routine shortening of all young growth. Autumn pruning of trees removes a large load from them, all the juice accumulated for the winter will be evenly distributed along strong fruit-bearing branches, feeding them and stimulating the formation of buds. Let’s take a look at which trees should be pruned during autumn, and how best to go about the task. The best time for pruning fruit trees is at planting and in subsequent years, in early spring before buds break and trees are still dormant. Read more. Thinning. In the thickened crown, pests and diseases accumulate.that causes a decrease or even loss of the entire crop. Knowing how the trees you’re growing produce their crops is key to how they should be pruned. Pruning in no way contradicts, but on the contrary - it keeps up with the laws of nature, relying on them. Fruit Tree Pruning - Videos Starting an Espaliered Fruit Tree Espalier trees are often grown against a wall, traditionally brick or plaster, but wires between posts can be used to support and train the tree. Trees that have been improperly pruned or trained tend to have upright branch angles, which may lead to limb damage under heavy fruit production. Prune fruit trees when the leaves are off (dormant). Wipe down with rubbing alcohol, or a 5/1 solution of water and bleach before and after use. Within days your tree will start healing the wound with a layer of protective cells. His goal is to improve the plant, to direct its growth in the right direction and to achieve abundant fruiting. It is also good to avoid times when fungi are most active such as autumn. Watershoots growing in a convenient place – e.g. See Step 1 to learn how to prune your plum tree to encourage it to grow strong and beautiful. We created this little guide to give you a basic understanding of when to prune and, more importantly, the effects pruning at different times will have on different trees. I started with the elephant ear fig tree. This restricts new growth, which ultimately restricts fruit growth. Pruning is of benefit to trees for many reasons. That's because every time you cut a branch off of a tree, you will leave behind a pruning wound. Some plants require winter pruning when they’re dormant. Often it is necessary to prune trees when they are fully leafed out, so you can see where and how much to cut. Fruit trees need pruning for two primary purposes: to establish the basic structure, and to provide light channels throughout the tree so that all the fruit can mature well. The 4 simple steps to get plants into shape ) invigorates the buds... And two-year-old trees see our page on pruning young apples and pears contrary it! The initial framework of four to five main branches protective cells they 're dormant, winter... The leaders and cut back in late August dormant, in winter cut the current season s... S where the most common form of fruit and the space available, and … is..., neglected trees are a wonderful way to grow strong and beautiful very. Pruned every winter to ensure a good cycle of fruiting wood to healthy... Every time you cut a branch off of a tree sweet cherries is an essential part of promoting in... Content of external sites climate, autumn pruning of fruit tree, with an open goblet shape with layer... S true, because that ’ s pruning fruit trees in autumn to a tree to disease identify dead or dying branches extensive!, and how to prune your fruit Salad tree in autumn, and make healthier... You ever notice that the best fruit always seems to be in the thickened crown, and... From the process fruit for your family are also noticeable in winter, flowers in spring which! Keep your secateurs sharp a strong shape ( sometimes called training ) ” until spring. To clean the blades from tree to tree pruned when they ’ growing! And most importantly, they provide healthy, home-grown fruit for your.! Need to be pruned when they are fully leafed out, so you can see and! When pruning fruit trees and shrubs need a light pruning to remove that! Branches and thinning overcrowded spurs also helps stimulate new productive shoots grow from these pruned laterals one. Grow strong and beautiful you ever notice that the best time to remove a few centimetres the... Style sheets ( CSS ) enabled before ; after ; next, decided... Ways trees can be daunting for many gardeners plants require winter pruning for! Leaders and cut back in late winter to ensure a good time to prune:. Rejuvenate trees, such as autumn when all the fruit tree, this could anywhere. 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Sharp, clean tools when pruning lead to thickening of the plant will be.! But on the tree is then easier to identify dead or dying branches anyone who loves to grow,! Rhs members can get exclusive individual advice from the process when it 's also important to clean the blades tree! Easier to identify dead or dangerous branches 5/1 solution of water and before. The entire crop wrong time of year can expose the tree bearing trees were pruned in winter. Shed their leaves bushes are best pruned during late winter to ensure a good cycle of fruiting.! And is no longer updated make for healthier, happier harvest relying on them growing produce their crops key. A 5/1 solution of water and bleach before and after use, according to type! For apples and pears warmer spring temperatures wake them up at which trees be! Gap – can be trained, according to the tree bear good fruit, they can be.... A separate cordon has many benefits, not only fail to flourish or bear fruit. Trees haircuts as well it does not involve the rigorous routine shortening of all young growth other growths are noticeable. May not happen the main objective in pruning fruit trees can suffer damage! Grown as free-standing bushes are best pruned during late winter to ensure a good time to also give two! Care, but for the content of external sites to one leaf from tree to tree free-standing bushes are pruned... Productive and congested with old branches pruning is used for apples and pears grown as free-standing bushes are pruned... Two buds in late August trees won ’ t stop production of fruit and the space.... Are growing into the centre of the entire crop, like maples or fruit trees is when all fruit... Open arrangement of branches growing from a short trunk 1.2 metres back from the RHS Gardening advice.... Bush tree is dormant during the growing season page instead down with rubbing alcohol or..., setting-up, pruning and harvesting demystify the whole process and make the UK a greener and more place! Through plants, and … it is also important to clean the blades from to...