How should I prune fruit trees?

Fruit trees give better fruit when sunlight and air reach the inside of the canopy. Good airflow also helps leaves dry out, which lowers disease problems.

Start with anything dead, broken or diseased. Then remove branches that rub or cross. Next, thin out crowded growth. On young trees the goal is to build a strong frame. On older trees, you can remove some older wood to encourage new fruiting wood.

Cut just outside the branch collar, the swollen ring where a branch meets the trunk. Do not leave stubs. Keep each year's cutting light, and avoid taking a large share of the live crown in a single year.

Each kind of fruit tree has its own habits, so your local extension office is a good place to ask about your tree. For tall trees or anything near wires, hire an insured pro instead of using a ladder.