If you have not had the time to prune your fruit trees in winter, now is the opportune time. A little pruning now can reduce the work needed to care for your trees throughout the year.

Why prune? The first thing to learn about pruning is that it encourages healthy growth. By pruning, we help the tree grow stronger, which not only boosts fruit production but also ensures the tree is sturdy enough to support the fruit until it ripens in the fall.

Pruning also improves air circulation and allows more sunlight to reach the tree’s canopy, which helps reduce disease and insect pressure.

In apple trees, diseases such as apple scab and powdery mildew thrive in humid, shaded conditions, while insects like aphids and codling moths prefer sheltered areas to hide in.

Pruning increases the sugar content of fruit at the end of the season due to the increased sunlight penetration throughout the canopy of the tree. This sunlight can also lead to more uniform ripening of the apples.

Before pruning, it is essential to know which tools to use for different cuts. A good pair of pruning shears is ideal for cutting branches up to ¾” in diameter, while loppers can handle branches up to 1 ½”, depending on their size.

For branches 1 inch and larger, a pruning saw is more suitable. It is also crucial to ensure that all your tools are sharp and clean before use to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the tree.

Start by pruning what we call the 3 D’s: dead, damaged and diseased branches. Next, remove any branches crossing or rubbing other branches. Branches turning back towards the trunk of the tree or down towards the ground are not needed and should be pruned next. These branches will not get enough sunlight to produce fruit. Competing leaders (the top of the tree) should be pruned to avoid structural problems with the tree later in its life. Take a moment to step back and reassess your work as you prune.

Being good at pruning and utilizing pruning to get your trees to the correct shape can be the difference between a 2-inch apple and at least 3-inch apple.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Mahoning County OSU Extension Office will be offering pruning clinics this April.

The first clinic is at White House Fruit Farm (9249 state Route 62, Canfield) for $30, which includes hand pruners. Additional free urban fruit tree clinics include:

10 to 11 a.m. April 12: Flying High — Access Healthy Food Greenhouse, Mineral Ridge.

9 to 10 a.m. April 19: Hope for Newport — Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Youngstown.

6 to 7 p.m. April 24: St. Patrick’s Church, Youngstown.

There is no registration fee, but those who register before the clinic will be eligible for door prizes to use at their own farm or garden.

For more information on the clinics, please contact the Mahoning County OSU Extension Office at 330-533-5538.