SUMMER PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES

By Leonard Cicerello   UCCE Master Gardener

Do I really need to prune my fruit trees in the summer?  Lloyd from Atascadero

It is common knowledge that fruit and nut trees are pruned in the winter when dormant.  However, it is not common knowledge that they benefit from summer pruning as well.  The purpose of winter pruning is to eliminate dead wood, crossing branches, and to restore the desired size of the tree while keeping fruiting wood for the following season. The reasons for summer pruning are much the same, but also work to eliminate excess growth and open up the tree to air and sunlight.  Summer pruning is also an opportunity to thin the immature fruit.

Here is a basic guide to thinning fruit.  First, it's important to note that citrus, cherries, olives, quince, figs, almonds, and pomegranates do not requiring thinning.  Many stone fruits, however, do benefit greatly from this practice. Thin apricots to allow 3-4” between each fruit; plums 4-6” apart, plums 4-6” apart, peaches and nectarines 5-7” apart. For apples and pears, leave 1-2 fruit per spur. If left untouched, tree limbs can sag and even break under the heavy weight of excess fruit. Furthermore, the fruit size and quality will be subpar.

The topic for this month's UCCE Master Gardeners Advice to Grow By workshop is summer pruning. They will discuss choosing and preparing a planting site, developing a watering plan, choosing the right tree for the microclimate, and how to mulch. You will also learn which trees need pollinizers, and how to protect the tree from gophers and disease. They will also discuss chill and sunlight hours and different shaping techniques such as modified central leader, open center, espalier, and fruit bush. And, each attendee will receive a two-page handout with a summary of the workshop information.  

The workshop will be June 18, 2016, at the Garden of Seven Sisters, 2156 Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Garden docents will be available after the workshop to answer questions until 1:00.  You may want to bring sunscreen and a bottle of water. Come and join your fellow gardeners under the pergola in the garden.