Earth Gauge: Winter Pruning

Late winter is the perfect time to prune fruit trees. Properly pruning your trees now will help to stimulate new spring growth, control the size of your tree, and can result in larger and better-quality fruit. First and foremost, pruning allows you to remove diseased or dead branches and "open" the canopy, helping to maintain strong branches and allow sunlight to reach the center parts of the tree.

When pruning fruit trees, remove dead, broken, or diseased branches first, cutting them all the way back to the tree's main branch or trunk. Use pruning shears for small branches (less than half-an-inch in diameter), and a pruning saw or loppers for larger branches. Always use caution - if the job seems too big, consult a professional for help.

Find information about making pruning cuts and tips for pruning particular types of fruit trees at the National Gardening Association's "Edible Landscaping" Website: http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=pruning-fruit.

(Sources: Nardozzi, Charlie. February 2008. National Gardening Association, "Edible Landscaping: Pruning Fruit Trees." http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=pruning-fruit)