As we move into late winter it is time to think about pruning
fruit trees. Most fruit trees should be pruned after the chance of a hard
freeze has past, usually late February or early March in our USDA Zone, 7a. Pruning too early increases the chance of
injury due to the cold. In addition to controlling the size and shape of the
tree, pruning decreases the risk of disease that result from broken, old and
dead branches; as it improves fruit production.
All the reasons why, when and how can be found in the University
of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service publication HO-64,Growing Fruit at Home. The publication can be downloaded here or obtained at
the McCracken County Extension Service office at 2705 Olivet Church Road,
Paducah, KY.
The public is invited to a demonstration of the proper way to
prune apple trees given by UKREC specialist, Daniel Becker on February 16. The
demonstration will be in a homeowners orchard in the Reidland area; directions
and details can be obtained by calling the extension office at 270-554-9520.
