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Fruit tree pruning

Proper pruning is essential for the health and longevity of your fruit trees, ensuring they remain productive and resilient against disease. 

Tree surgery on fruit trees requires correct seasonal timings to lower the risk of fungal infection through pruning wounds and ensure healthy, unstunted growth throughout spring and summer. 

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At SJ Arborists, we tailor our professional services to your garden, focussing on maintaining the natural structure of your trees, increasing fruit yield where necessary, and preventing common issues. We can provide services for all types of fruit trees, the most common in the UK being apple trees, cherry trees, pear trees, fig trees, plum trees and mulberry trees. 

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  • Winter (November to March):

For apples and pears, pruning during this dormant period is ideal. It encourages the tree to redirect energy toward healthy spring growth. By removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, you not only improve the tree's structure but also prevent energy waste. Winter pruning also shapes the tree, ensuring it can support next season’s fruiting spurs, which are essential for healthy fruit clusters without burdening the branches. Contact SJ Arborists to book a quote for winter pruning of your apple and pear trees today.
 

  • Summer (June to August):

For stone fruit trees such as cherries and plums, pruning is best done during early to mid-summer. This reduces the risk of fungal infections, like silver leaf disease, which tends to thrive in cooler, damp conditions. Summer pruning controls vigorous growth and enhances fruit quality by improving light exposure to ripening fruit. Contact SJ Arborists today to assess and plan summer pruning work for your stone fruit trees.
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Specialised pruning for fruit trees:

Apple & Pear Tree Pruning:
Apples and pears respond best to winter pruning.RHS suggest that by removing pruning between 10-20% of the crown is the ideal amount, allowing maintenance of tree shape, and size, and encouraging fruiting wood without inducing watershoots. Proper care and pruning ensure the tree’s longevity and productivity. 

Cherry & Plum Tree Pruning:
For cherries and plums, summer pruning is crucial to prevent diseases like bacterial canker. It keeps the trees manageable in size and allows light to reach ripening fruit, ensuring better quality and taste.

Peach & Apricot Tree Pruning:
These trees benefit from light pruning after harvest in late summer. This timing helps prepare the tree for the next growing season while reducing disease risks. Removing excess growth allows for new, vigorous shoots to develop, improving fruit quality the following year.
 
We ensure your trees not only stay healthy but also produce more fruit. Our tailored approach ensures your fruit trees, from apples to apricots, are well-maintained and ready to thrive in the coming seasons.
 
Call SJ Arborists today to get a quotation for your fruiting trees. 

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