When Do You Prune Fruit Trees in North Carolina?

Pruning is an important part of growing fruit in North Carolina.

North Carolina's climate supports a wide range of fruit trees ranging from apples and pears to peaches and nectarines. Whatever types of fruit you choose to grow, pruning is important to achieve ideal growth and yield.

Considerations

Prune fruit trees at the time of planting, during their first dormant season, and during their first summer. After 3 years of growth, prune fruit trees seasonally to maintain proper growth.

Dormant Pruning

Dormant pruning should be done sparingly, and as late in the winter as possible. Prune the latest-blooming trees first and the earliest-blooming trees last, starting with apple and pecan trees, followed by cherry, peach and plum.

Summer Pruning

Start summer pruning as soon as buds appear in spring, but it is better to wait until several inches of vegetative growth is visible. Do all summer pruning before the end of July.

References

• NC State University: Training & Pruning Fruit Trees
• NC State University: Producing Tree Fruit for Home Use