Winter Fruit Tree Pruning: Apples, Pears, and Feijoas

Winter is the perfect time to prune your fruit trees in New Zealand. Pruning helps maintain tree shape, promotes healthy growth, and enhances fruit production. Here's a guide on how to prune your Apple, Pear, and Feijoa trees.

Pruning Techniques

• Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches
• Cut back overgrown branches to maintain shape
• Thin out the centre to allow more sunlight and air circulation
• Make clean cuts just above a bud or a lateral branch

Timing

Winter pruning takes place from June to August, when the trees are dormant. This allows the trees to heal quickly and minimizes the risk of disease.

Benefits

• Improved fruit quality and quantity
• Enhanced tree structure and appearance
• Increased sunlight penetration and air circulation
• Reduced risk of disease and pests

Specific Pruning Tips

Apples: Prune apple trees to maintain a central leader or open center system. Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Always be careful to avoid cutting fruiting spurs that will have the fruit for the coming season.

Pears: Pear trees benefit from a similar pruning approach as apples. Focus on maintaining a balanced shape and removing any diseased wood. Always be careful to avoid cutting fruiting spurs that will have the fruit for the coming season.

Feijoas: Feijoa trees require less pruning than Apples and Pears. Remove any dead wood and shape the tree to maintain an open, bushy form. Be mindful that Blackbirds pollinate the flowers of Feijoas so make sure they can get amongst the branches freely.

Remember to always use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent spreading diseases. With these tips, you'll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious, healthy fruit from your well-pruned trees.