Does pruning increase fruit production?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.A way to increase fruit yield, without putting the tree under stress, is through improvement in the pruning of fruit trees. I once increased a client's peach crop by 60% using careful pruning that focused cuts on fruiting spurs. The first cuts focused on crossing branches and inward branching. If you prune too hard, regrowth of leaves will dominate the tree. A good way to measure the canopy density is with a ruler.
Selective Thinning
- Remove 15-20% of water sprouts annually
- Prioritize branches blocking sunlight to fruiting wood
- Preserve 45°-angled limbs for strength
Sunlight Optimization
- Open canopy to 30% air penetration
- Space fruiting branches 25cm (10 inches) apart
- Elevate lower limbs 1.5m (5ft) above soil
Seasonal Timing
- Stone fruits: Post-harvest summer pruning
- Pomes: Late winter before bud break
- Citrus: Dry season only
The climate in the region determines the approach. My clients in Oregon generally prune cherries in August to avoid bacterial canker. Growers in Florida prune mangoes in April. I recommend using a soil thermometer and pruning when soil temperatures are 7°C (45°F). If tools are not sharp, the cut may be ragged and tear bark, which can attract pests. I generally sharpen my tools every 40 cuts.
Balanced Restoration
- Wait 2 seasons before corrective cuts
- Apply seaweed extract to reduce stress
- Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Nutrient Management
- Delay fertilization until new growth appears
- Use low-NPK blends (3-5-4)
- Foliar feed with calcium monthly
Monitoring
- Track bud development weekly
- Photograph canopy density changes
- Test soil pH every 60 days
If yields decline unexpectedly, consult certified arborists. An apple tree in a client's yard was revived after we cut the 12 competing leaders from the trunk. There has to be enough balance; cutting just enough limbs to encourage growth without compromising photosynthesis rates. It is also important to monitor yields for the next few years with annual yield logs.
Read the full article: How to Prune Fruit Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide
