Pruning Fruit Trees: A Seasonal Guide for Healthy Growth

Caring for fruit trees involves knowing when and how to prune each type. A little understanding goes a long way, and once you learn the basics your trees will reward you with reliable crops. Below is a clear guide to pruning common fruit trees including apples, pears, apricots, peaches, damsons, plums, citrus and cherry.

Apples and pears

These trees are best pruned while dormant, usually from November until March. Use clean, sharp tools and take a moment to step back and look at the tree before you begin. Aim for an open, airy shape with space for light to reach the branches.
Start by removing any stems that rub together or grow towards the centre. After that, shorten last year’s growth by roughly one-third. Always cut just above a bud that faces in the direction you want the new shoot to grow.

Apricots and peaches

Stone fruit should not be pruned in winter, as this leaves them vulnerable to silver leaf and other infections. Young trees can be shaped in early spring once the first buds have opened. Older trees are better pruned in summer when the risk of disease is lower.

Damsons and plums

These can be trimmed in early spring or mid-summer but avoid cutting them from autumn through winter. They don’t need very precise pruning but early shaping and the removal of tired old wood will help keep yields strong.

Citrus

Citrus trees need very little pruning. A light tidy in February works well. Thin out congested stems and, if the tree has become straggly or uneven, you can shorten it by up to two-thirds. Pinch out any shoots that start racing ahead of the rest and remove any growth that appears below the graft line.

Cherry

Cherries respond well to pruning in late July or August, with light shaping possible in spring. They often grow vigorously so removing excess wood helps maintain a steady supply of younger fruiting branches alongside the older framework.

Fruit trees can also be trained in different forms such as espaliers, fans or cordons. The guidance above gives you a solid start whatever style you choose.

You’ll find a good selection of pruning tools in our centre including secateurs, loppers and gloves. If you’re thinking about planting a fruit tree, autumn is a fine time to do it. Visit us to see which varieties suit your garden and speak to our staff for further help.