I live in NE Ohio. Is it too late to prune fruit trees? I planted some apple and plum 3 years ago and have yet to prune them. Also, must it be a cold day to prune them or can I prune them in any temperature as long as they are in dormancy still? THanks!

-- Tiffani (cappello@alltel.net), March 06, 2002

Answers

I pruned mine yesterday. Would have preferred to do it in Feb. If you do it in next few days you should be OK.

-- WV Ridgerunner (ewvaughn@mtneer.net), March 06, 2002.

Hi Tiffani, I was out pruning trees and roses today. Go for it. I'd much rather prune when it's warm. Standing on a ladder when it's cold and windy isn't my idea of fun.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), March 06, 2002.

Hi,

I did a lot of research last year abuot htis topic. Some of the university ag extension sites mentioned that there is a growing school of thought supporting year round pruning. Sorry, I can't tell you where I read it, but it was mentioned in at least two of the sites that I read.

Jenny

-- Jenny (jnjonline@earthnet.com), March 06, 2002.

Hi,

I did a lot of research last year abuot htis topic. Some of the university ag extension sites mentioned that there is a growing school of thought supporting year round pruning. Sorry, I can't tell you where I read it, but it was mentioned in at least two of the sites that I read.

Jenny

PS. Those apple twigs and branches sure make a nice fire for flavoring grilled food. Yum!

-- Jenny (jnjonline@earthlink.net), March 06, 2002.

I took an extension course last year in apple tree grafting and got to talk to an old and very experienced orchardist. He said that it's good to prune when it's cold, but that pruning before or after snow is also good. If you need to avoid mud, pruning in the spring will do and if the tree has gone out of flower and you haven't pruned, go for it then. If you are heading into a time when the apples will soon be coming on strong and large and you haven't pruned, do it quick and be done with it so you don't lose any branches. And, of course, you can always prune after the apples have been picked. He said it all much better than I did and with fabulous humor! This past summer I pruned several apple trees at my Mom's house in July. It was the first time those trees had been pruned in at least 50 years. I had pruned some the year before, also in the summer and they were much happier for it. Do what you have to do when you can do it. The trees are very forgiving.

-- Sheryl in Me (radams@sacoriver.net), March 06, 2002.

I prune as needed all year, a good rule of "thumb" is, if it's bigger than your thumb or you need a saw, do it when the leaves are gone, it is easier to 'see' what your 'sawing' that way, if it's smaller than our thumb, then use your clippers, and any time is fine. But don't take off large amounts at one time, that makes the tree try to replace the lost leaves and the fruit will suffer for it.

-- Thumper/inOKC (slrldr@yahoo.com), March 06, 2002.

Hi Tiff, it's me! You can prune through March, as long as there is no significant activity happening. Actually, you can prune any time of the year, but certain times are better than others. Pruning now gives the tree plenty of time to recoup before the next winter. Mary

-- Mary (kmfraley@orwell.net), March 07, 2002.

neglected trees should be pruned in feb or march...the dormat stage

-- (dippydo@spinal.colum), March 09, 2002.