Important Themes for Trimming Fruit Trees

Tree trimming and pruning are vital areas for the health of a variety of tree types, particularly those that produce fruit. Important for everything from sunlight exposure to air circulation and structural integrity, trimming trees properly and in a timely fashion will make them healthier and cause greater production of quality fruit.

At Reliable Tree Care, we offer a wide range of tree trimming services, from basic tree shaping to branch structure pruning, crown restoration and even removal when needed. Let’s look at some of the major themes we’ll touch on when we discuss trimming your fruit trees with you, including the proper timing and areas for said trimming plus the best periods of a given year to consider these services.

themes trimming fruit trees

Early in Lifespan

Trimming becomes an important consideration for fruit trees early on in their lives, as they’re still developing branches and overall structure. It’s vital to trim properly and remove unhealthy limbs, plus any that might interfere with the growth of nearby sections.

Now, this trimming cannot begin right away. Most new fruit trees require at least a year of their own growth before we can begin trimming away their limbs – this is to allow them to draw enough nutrients and establish a proper root system. Once this time has passed, we’ll work with you to identify the limbs that are best-positioned and most healthy, then trim away others that might hinder their progress.

Areas Trimmed

There are a few general signs we’ll look for that indicate a possible need for trimming in a given area:

  • Forks: Tree forks are sections where branches have grown too close together. They can lead to an issue called bark inclusion, which can weaken the limbs and threaten the entire health of the tree. Removing these forks in a timely manner is important. These forks are often found in a V-shape.
  • Dead or damaged limbs: We’ll also look for dead or specifically damaged limbs to remove.
  • Crossing: Limbs that are crossed over each other should generally be removed also.
  • Fire mitigation: One other area we’ll pay attention to is fire risks. Limbs that are fewer than 10 feet from the ground should be removed, and canopies of nearby trees should have at least 10 feet between them.

Best Time of Year

Most fruit trees become dormant during the late fall period we’re about to enter, and trimming is often best done just after this dormancy hits. The tree will be less active overall, with limited sap flow that makes trimming simpler and more convenient. In addition, the lack of fruit and foliage due to seasonal dormancy makes it much easier for our experts to identify the right limbs to be trimmed. During spring and summer months, a previously-pruned fruit tree will have limited blight risks as well.

For more on the value of trimming for fruit trees, or to learn about any of our tree trimming or removal services, speak to the staff at Reliable Tree Care today.