The winter season is the prime time to prune fruit trees typically grown in an orchard – such as apple and pear trees – as they are dormant. Careful removal of the dormant buds will revitalise the remaining ones and spark new growth.

Ideally, pruning needs to be carried out every 2-3 years for the best results, promoting healthy, productive, fresh looking trees. This article looks into why it is important to prune fruit trees and how you can reap the rewards of a flourishing fruit tree after professional pruning.

Why is it important to prune fruit trees?

Encourages growth

Pruning in the winter helps with the growth of new branches, eliminating the problem of the growth of your fruit tree becoming obstructed by old or damaged branches. Not only that, professional pruning using specialist techniques promotes stronger roots, ensuring that your tree can withstand extreme weather, such as strong winds and storms.

It’s worth noting that pruning your fruit tree in the summer can expose the fruit to sun damage and slow down the ripening process.  

Boosts fruit production

Following pruning, a healthy, well cared for tree stimulates growth and the production of fresh fruit. Dead wood which is left to rot or not properly removed is far more susceptible to fall victim to an infestation of insects or diseases. As such, cutting off dead or damaged parts of the tree through pruning promotes the growth of new buds and fruit.

Protects against tree-related diseases

Leaf curl, brown rot and bacterial canker are just a few of the diseases fruit trees can suffer from if not cared for properly. Professional pruning is a preventative measure to stop your tree from contracting such diseases, encouraging a long and healthy lifespan. Not only that, in cases where fruit trees have already contracted a disease, pruning will help to ensure it is swiftly and safely treated to stop the spread to other parts.

Eliminates dangerous branches

The fragility of dead branches still attached to fruit trees means that strong winds or storms can cause them to fall off easily; in cases where they are left completely neglected, they will most likely just fall off on their own accord, whatever the weather. Particularly if your tree is located near your property, by the roadside or near electric lines, this can be extremely hazardous. Hiring the expertise of a pruning professional will catch any issues with your fruit tree before they escalate into major costly – and potentially life threatening – problems.

Improves the look of your garden

Correct pruning of your fruit tree – by cutting off dead or damaged branches and removing parts that are growing fast than others – will enhance its shape and transform the overall look of your garden. Proper pruning of a fruit tree should create an open circular shape with four or five main branches stemming from the trunk; this can take the form of a fan shape when trained.

Artemis Tree Services

For professional tree pruning in Rickmansworth, Watford and the wider London area, look no further than Artemis Tree Services. We have over 20 years of industry experience specialising in all things tree-related, and our fully trained arborists are dedicated to carrying out the required tree service in line with relevant safety regulations, with minimal disruption to your property. To book an appointment with us for winter pruning of your fruit tree, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert team today.