What is the proper way to prune blueberries?

Question: 

What is the proper way to prune blueberries?

Answer: 

Early spring is the best time to prune blueberries.  In Iowa, late March or early April would be an appropriate time to prune blueberries. 

Young plants require little pruning.  Pruning of young plants mainly consists of pruning out broken, dead, or diseased stems. 

Blueberry yields and fruit quality decline when blueberry canes (stems) reach 5 or 6 years of age.  After the fifth year, prune out 1 or 2 of the oldest stems.  Also, allow 1 to 2 new shoots to develop.  Continue to prune mature blueberry bushes in this manner on an annual basis to keep the plants vigorous and productive. 
 

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on . The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.