Fruit tree pruning, shaping and care

Apple tree pruning and care for other fruit trees and berry bushes

Pruning fruit trees and berry bushes is a specialised process of carefully managed branch removal. It is needed to keep trees and bushes healthy and productive, as pruning encourages the development of flower buds and fruitlets. Apple tree pruning is particularly popular in our work. Pruning apple, pear, plum and cherry trees is our speciality. We gained our knowledge of fruit tree care and pest control from the renowned gardener, teacher, scientist, author of research and educational books, and publicist Jānis Tālivaldis Kārkliņš. Our fruit tree and berry bush pruning services protect trees from damage caused by overloaded branches and extend the lifespan and productive years of trees and bushes. When pruning, we assess their condition and choose the most appropriate approach for the trees and bushes in your garden. We always treat your property with the utmost respect. Once the work is complete, we tidy everything up, leaving your property clean, orderly and in excellent condition. Removal of cut branches is a separate service.

Properly pruned fruit trees need less maintenance. If your fruit tree has been pruned correctly, you will not need to thin the fruit or support branches weighed down by ripe fruit. After pruning, light and air can circulate freely through the crown, reducing the risk of fungi and mould, as well as aphids, mites and other pests becoming established. Pruned fruit trees are also easier to spray against these pests. Fruit trees use a great deal of energy for growth that they could otherwise use to produce fruit. Slowing a tree’s growth through pruning can also increase its longevity. It takes years for a tree to grow and fully mature. After such a long wait, it is important that the tree is healthy and produces fruit for many productive years. Trees naturally grow in forests, where they compete with other trees for light. This environment encourages upward growth and the development of strong specimens with healthy foliage to capture sunlight. In towns and cities, trees are usually planted individually or in small groups. This allows them to grow rapidly in all directions. If left unchecked, these trees can develop problems that may cause irreversible damage to the tree itself and/or your property.

How often is pruning needed?

We are often asked how frequently apple trees should be pruned. Most fruit trees and berry bushes need pruning every few years, while hedges and ornamental plants should be pruned every year. Crown shaping and basic pruning can be completed in one visit. However, correct, precise care tailored to the variety and season, with the aim of increasing yields, requires at least two site visits per year over a period of up to five years. Customers more often choose one-off crown shaping and basic pruning, which can be carried out once every 2 – 3 years.

When should pruning be carried out?

To grow strong, healthy and attractive, a fruit tree needs a properly shaped crown. Trees are not always pruned correctly, as a lack of knowledge often leads people to assume that pruning should be done in autumn.

In cold weather, a tree concentrates its energy in its roots, so wounds caused by autumn pruning will not heal as quickly. This can put the tree at risk and weaken it. In autumn, only old and dead branches and those that might break in winter should be removed. Branches whose regrowth needs to be restrained, such as the top, crossing branches and water shoots, can also be cut in autumn. To encourage vigorous new shoots and a full crown, it is better to leave all other pruning until spring.

Autumn pruning of apple trees, like that of all other fruit trees, should take place after the leaves have fallen. This makes it easier to assess the structure of the tree and its branches and spot disease and insect problems. When preparing to transplant young trees in spring, it is important to know that winter dormancy is a suitable time for root pruning. Evergreen pruning is best scheduled for cool weather in late winter or early spring. As warmer weather arrives, new shoots will quickly conceal the pruning cuts.

Book a service or ask a question

To receive an approximate quote or book a service, complete the enquiry form. Please describe the work in as much detail as possible. We may ask you to send photographs or visit the site to assess the work.