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Fruit Trees

Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
in Problem solving
I bought both a 1) pear and 2) apple tree last year. I had been advised not to prune the trees on first year . Should I prune them at this time of year ? Not that I’m desperate to prune them but given that goblet shape is recommended I thought maybe sooner rather than later would be best.
Any thoughts .
thanks
Peter



Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    They look fine to me as they are
    for now. 

    Formative pruning now when the sap is rising is likely to lead to a lot of water-shoots … it should be done when the tree is dormant, late autumn after leaf fall. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Many thanks for prompt response , understand that makes sense.
  • pinutpinut Posts: 194
    edited April 2023
    The pear tree is in bloom so you might get a crop this year.

    The outer branches are too thin to support the weight of the potential fruit. Similarly, the three central vertical branches with the fruiting spurs are too tall to support all that potential weight.

    Keep an eye on the developing fruit.

    If the outer branches don't thicken up enough then remove the fruit from them for this year. Also, thin the fruit from the upper half of the three central vertical branches to prevent snapping when the heavy fruit up top sways in the wind.

    Around August time, you can prune branches to reduce the number of fruit. This pruning will force bud back to hopefully make fruiting spurs appear nearer the centre of the tree where the weight can be supported.


  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Thanks that’s great advice. 
    Appreciate your response.
    Peter
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    What Dove said (and my hubby!!)
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    If you prune now you’ll cut away all the blossom ,do it in November . It won’t grow much more by then .
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    An update on both fruit trees.
    I had one pear and nine apples this year.
    I’m planning to cut back the longer central branches on both trees given that it is better to do this in the autumn. 
    Would you recommend using a small hand saw for thicker branches rather than secateurs to prune ?
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Thanks for response and advice much appreciated.
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