How often should fruit trees be pruned?

Question:

How often should fruit trees be pruned?

Answer:

Fruit trees should be pruned on an annual basis.  Annual pruning of young (non-bearing) fruit trees develops a strong framework and desirable tree shape.  Annual pruning of bearing trees maintains tree vigor, maximizes fruit yields, and improves fruit quality.  Young trees require light annual pruning.  Bearing trees require light to moderate annual pruning.  Insufficient pruning of bearing trees may result in small, poorly colored fruit with a low sugar content and mediocre favor.  Excessive  pruning of bearing trees weakens trees and results in vigorous shoot growth with little or no flower bud formation for the following year’s crop.