A little careful pruning means more fruit and healthier trees. Here's the simple beginners' guide to getting it right.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Pruning a fruit tree feels daunting, but the fundamentals are simple. Done well, it keeps the tree healthy, lets in light and air, and gives you a better crop — and the best time depends on the fruit you're growing.
In the UK, apple and pear trees are best pruned in winter while they're dormant, which encourages strong, healthy growth the following season. Stone fruits like plums and cherries are usually pruned in summer instead, to reduce the risk of disease entering through fresh cuts.
Begin with the easy wins: cut out any dead, diseased or damaged wood, plus branches that are crossing and rubbing together. Removing what's unhealthy or congested opens the canopy up to light and air — which most fruit trees respond to beautifully.
Generally, you want an open, balanced shape. Shorten long shoots, thin out crowded areas, and keep the centre reasonably open. A prune you can maintain from the ground is far more sustainable than an over-ambitious one.
Use sharp, clean secateurs or a pruning saw and cut back to a bud or a side branch rather than leaving a stub. Disinfect your tools between trees — it's a simple habit that stops disease spreading.
From garden maintenance to a full growing-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
