Sun-kissed lemons, glistening cherries and juicy pears hanging from your tree – just waiting to be picked.

Nothing is sweeter (or more satisfying) than harvesting homegrown fruit from your backyard. Each time you pluck a fruit from your tree, you inevitably wish there was more of it!

That’s where pruning comes in. When you regularly prune fruit trees, you ensure sunlight reaches all parts of the tree. As a result, you get more, higher-quality fruit.

Now, the million-dollar question: when to trim your fruit trees? Is summer pruning good for fruit trees? Read on to find out. You’ll be tasting the delicious rewards of your efforts soon!

Can I prune fruit trees in summer?

The short answer is yes - you can prune fruit trees in summer. In fact, you can trim many fruit trees, including apple and peach trees, any time of the year without doing damage.

Wondering the best time of year to prune fruit trees? It’s when your trees are dormant, usually December through early February.

To pinpoint the right time to prune in your area, wait until the coldest part of winter is over but before your trees start to flower.

Is summer pruning of my fruit trees ever best? If so, what can I trim?

You can prune your fruit tree in summer if your tree is…

  • Producing too much fruit
  • Getting too large
  • Posing a risk due to unsafe limbs
  • Being hindered by older, non-producing branches

If this is the case, go ahead and trim your fruit trees back a bit. When pruning fruit trees in summer, focus on minor cuts. Save the extensive pruning for when the tree is dormant.

Contact your local Davey office for a FREE consultation!

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