Digital Commons Network^™

Ec78-1233 Pruning Fruit Trees, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Productive fruit trees with an abundance of high quality fruit don't just happen. They result from good cultural practices, including pruning. Pruning is often neglected either due to a lack of pruning skills and knowledge or a fear that one is going to injure or kill the tree.

A major requirement for the backyard farmer is a small tree open enough to allow effective spraying with home equipment and ready gathering of fruit. Pruning, combined with growing dwarf fruit trees will help accomplish this requirement. Although pruning is essential in development and maintenance of fruit trees, excessive pruning in young …