In this video, Tricia demonstrates summer pruning and fruit thinning in an actively growing orchard.
Use the video as a visual companion—not a universal pruning calendar. The appropriate work depends on the fruit type, cultivar, tree age, crop load, local climate, disease pressure, and current condition.
What the Video Demonstrates
- Observing active shoot growth and canopy density
- Removing selected vigorous or poorly placed shoots
- Using measured cuts to improve access to light
- Evaluating clusters and removing selected young fruit
Summer Pruning and Dormant Pruning Are Not Interchangeable
Summer cuts remove functioning leaves while the tree is actively growing. They can be used for specific size, light, or training objectives, but may also expose fruit or bark, reduce leaf area, or create infection opportunities. Dormant pruning often produces a different growth response. Begin with How to Prune Fruit Trees to understand the objective and cut before choosing the season.
Before Summer Pruning
- Identify the tree and its current training system.
- Check for heat, drought, disease, insect, or crop-load stress.
- Confirm whether local disease pressure makes a different season preferable.
- Plan a limited objective rather than reshaping the entire tree.
- Protect developing fruit and avoid abruptly exposing shaded bark or fruit to intense sun.
Cherries and apricots can have especially important regional timing considerations. Continue to the cherry and apricot summer-pruning video and confirm the practice locally.
Fruit Thinning Is Species-Specific
Thinning may improve final fruit spacing, reduce limb strain, or help manage crop load, but spacing targets and timing differ by species, cultivar, fruit size, and tree strength. Remove damaged fruit when appropriate, then follow reliable crop-specific guidance. Do not use one fixed spacing rule for apples, pears, peaches, plums, and other fruits.
Safety and Tools
Use sharp tools sized for the branch, maintain stable footing, and keep your free hand out of the cutting path. Work from the ground when possible. Leave large, high, decayed, or hazardous limbs to a qualified tree professional. Browse Pruning & Cutting Tools after determining the appropriate tool for the job.
Continue Learning
For training-system decisions, read Modified Central Leader Pruning for Fruit Trees. For high-density size management, use High-Density Fruit Tree Planting.
