Readers Digest
Magazine subscription Podcast
HomeLifestyleHome & Garden

Pruning fruit trees

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Home & Garden

Pruning fruit trees

When pruning your pear tree, timing is everything. Learn more about how and when to start pruning.

A gardener’s advice

1. For fruit trees winter pruning is important.

2. Prune to create a strong framework. 

3. Remove crossing branches, those blocking light or air, and any dead wood. 

4. To promote new growth, prune back main growing shoots to just above a healthy growth bud, slanting the cut upwards. 

5. Prune back side shoots to form a fruiting spur, or leave them to grow into new branches. 

6. Growth buds are easily distinguished from fruit ones because they lie flat to the stem; fruit buds are plumper and stand prouder by comparison.

How to incorporate fruit into your diet, with Hugh Fearnly-Wittingstall.

Loading up next...
Stories by email|Subscription
Readers Digest

Launched in 1922, Reader's Digest has built 100 years of trust with a loyal audience and has become the largest circulating magazine in the world

Readers Digest
Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards, please contact 0203 289 0940. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk