Talking Plants

Jillian Patrie | University of Minnesota Yard and Garden Extension

The best time to prune northern climate fruit trees is after the coldest winter temperatures have passed and before bud swell.  Depending on where you are in Minnesota, this generally falls between late March and end of April.  Trimming fruit trees helps with fruit production and general structural health of the tree as it ages.  Let’s talk about the best practices to use when trimming fruit trees and the University of Minnesota resources available to aid in the process.
Fruit trees should ideally be trimmed from the day they are planted to ensure good branching habits are formed early.  This will reduce the size and number of branches that would need to be removed if pruning was done after multiple years of growth.  In some cases, if fruit trees are left for too many years unchecked it is very difficult to correct branching structure.
When pruning an apple tree, we will initially look for any branches that may be touching or rubbing together.  These can cause further issues in the future as these branches grow, such as increased risk of failure and disease. Thinning branches for better light and air movement is recommended, this often includes “water sprouts” or branches that are growing straight up.   Fruit bud branches have short horizontal branches or “nubs” where fruit will form the next growing season and are branches, we want to encourage when pruning apple trees.  Doing this may involve more precise pruning methods.  This step is shown well in the UMN apple pruning part-three video series.
Depending on the size of the branches that need to be removed several different tools for pruning may be necessary.  Loppers are best for branches 2” or more and hand pruners are perfect for branches under a 2”.  Make sure all pruning tools are well maintained; sharp and clean pruning tools are going to make the best cuts.
The University of Minnesota has three step by step videos that provide helpful visuals on how to prune apple trees correctly.  Here is the link to part one of the three-part pruning video series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEMpLjGhQUQ  Or search UMN Extension Apple Pruning Tips.
If you want to learn more about selecting and planting apple trees visit https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples. You can also find an extensive list of UMN apple tree varieties that are perfect for northern growers here: https://mnhardy.umn.edu/apples/varieties.
***For a hands-on apple pruning experience please attend the in-person workshop on Friday, March 21st from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Moorhead, MN at MB Johnson Park.  To register visit https://extension.umn.edu/event/apple-pruning-workshop-moorhead.
For questions about this article or local assistance please contact Clay County Extension Educator Jill Patrie at 218-299-7338 or by email at patri350@umn.edu.