Pro-Prune™ Pruning
1. I Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
2. I will eliminate crossing and rubbing branches.
3. I Remove suckers and water sprouts by cutting off any shoots growing from the base of the tree.
4. Thin out the center. If needed, I will selectively remove branches from the center of the tree to allow air and light to reach the fruiting branches.
5. Maintain a central leader to ensure the tree has a single, central leader (main trunk) and remove any competing branches.
Pro-Prune™ for Fruit Production
1. Promote fruiting branches. I Prune branches to encourage a balanced structure and promote fruiting. The tree is healthier, looks good and, is a happy tree!
2. I will perform removal of unneeded fruiting spurs. Remove any weak or damaged fruiting spurs (short branches that produce fruit) to promote new growth.
3. Thin fruit. Remove some fruit to allow the remaining fruit to grow larger and sweeter. Common in apple trees- doubles, triples and, more need to be addressed.
Additional Considerations
1. I use the 1/3rd rule and do not prune more than 15% of the tree's branches in a single year to avoid stressing the tree.
2. Making clean cuts is mandatory. The industry requires cutting branches at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud or lateral branch, to promote healing and minimize disease.
3. Monitor and adjust. I will regularly inspect your fruit trees prior to working and adjust my pruning strategy as needed.
