The end of the dormant season is a great time to prune many deciduous trees, such as fruit and nut trees. Ideally, fruit trees would be pruned just before buds swell. When done properly, the tree can be aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound with good fruit yield.

 Tree Structure

Without foliage, during the dormant season, it’s easy to see the branching structure and decide what needs to be done. Reducing branch length reduces leverage and shortened branches support fruit well. Conversely, pruning haphazardly or incorrectly is a common cause of long spindly branches called epicormic sprouts, also known as water sprouts. Such sprouts commonly break under the load of the fruit they carry.

Avoiding Issues

Cold damage can be avoided by pruning near the end of the dormant season. New growth or wounds from pruning cuts may be susceptible to freezing and cellular damage. That can be avoided if pruning is done at the end of winter or in early spring when low temperatures are becoming less common.

 Air and Light

Air flow and light infiltration can be improved through pruning which can reduce foliar disease and improve growth on the selected remaining branches. Pruning before the growing season gives the tree the greatest amount of time to adapt to its new form. Knowing how to achieve this requires skill. If too many branches are removed then bark can become sun damaged, much like sun burned skin. When done well, extra light can promote good branch and fruit development.

Ready to give your fruit trees a strong start this growing season?

Let our certified arborists help you prune with precision. Contact us today to schedule your seasonal tree pruning in Salt Lake City, Utah.