How to prune young fruit trees

Pruning young fruit trees

If you are just new to the world of growing fruit trees, you've have no doubt heard the term 'pruning' tossed around. Well, many gardeners will tell you that they have never pruned a tree. Pruning is not absolutely essential to the health of a tree...usually, though with proper pruning your fruit tree will become more productive.

Why do we prune fruit trees?
Pruning is the removal of dead or unneeded branches to encourage the growth of flowers and fruit. A tree may end up devoting energy to areas that don’t need it, leaving less energy and nutrients for fruit bearing. Judicious removal of some branches may see an improvement in the trees performance  in regards to it's fruiting capacity. Pruning also keeps the tree in shape by maintaining balance. This prevents the fruit tree from becoming weighed down on one side.

Always use sharp secateurs for pruning. Photo credit morgueFile.

When should I start pruning my fruit tree?
Many gardeners don’t even think about pruning their trees until they start to bear fruit. This is a mistake, and you should never neglect  a tree just because it hasn't yet begun to produce. During the entire process of growth, you should prune the tree in a way that it is even and uniform. Then, when it does start to produce fruit, the results will be significantly greater. It is very easy to tell the difference between a tree that has been pruned regularly during its growth, and one that has been neglected. Generally the shape of the tree is much more balanced looking if it has been pruned.

Look for any dead branches
The first thing to look for when you start pruning is any branches which are dead or diseased. These are quite easy to recognize. Usually they don’t bear any fruit, and might be misshapen or discolored. Sometimes a branch can be dead or diseased without making it too obvious. If this is the case, wait until the tree is flowering and it will become obvious by not growing anything.

Look for branches that are crowded
The second thing to look for when pruning, are any branches that are too crowded. Crowding, particularly in the center of the tree can create the right conditions for pests and disease. Take out a few of the smaller branches to allow one or two larger branches more room in the center. Fruit trees are often encouraged to grow via pruning into a vase shape  A 'V' shape, narrow at the bottom, opening wide at the top.

Formative pruning vs regulatory pruning
There are other situations and types of branches that require pruning, but these are the very basics. These can alter depending on how old your tree is. For example, for the first 3 years of a tree’s growth it requires pruning that follows 'formative' guidelines. This means pruning for the vase shape and pruning off side shoots etc. After the tree is well established, you will need to use 'regulatory' pruning to keep the tree healthy and to a manageable size.

Watch this four minute video on pruning and shaping a new fruit tree.

Very easy to understand and follow.

Get to know your tree
Exactly how and when you prune will depend somewhat on how your tree fruits. Some trees fruit on 2nd year growth, so if your prune off all the wrong shoots and branches, you will have no fruit that year.

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Get to know your tree and what it requires for healthy growth.

Does my tree need staking?

How to stake your tree

Does it need staking?
When a tree is young, one of the most important things you need to provide for it in addition to water and nutrients is support. If you don’t guide a young somehow, it may end up growing in a certain direction and it may be damaged by high winds, which could cause the trunk to snap.

Staking should also prevent the movement of the root ball being moved around, because this is not a great thing for a young tree to go through. Your tree needs to send down it's roots, and if it has too much movement that will not happen very easily.

This apple seedling will need staking when it gets a bit taller; it's trunk will be very thin for a while as it grows, and will need support.

How to do it
The most popular method of keeping young trees upright is to put long stakes into the ground on either side, and tie loops around the tree. Each loop should be fairly loose to allow for further expansion of the trunk. Many of people just have a stake on one side of the tree, but this is not good practice because it only offers support if the tree is being pushed in a certain direction. Though if the spot you have chosen to plant has a prevailing wind, one stake may be sufficient because the tree won't be buffeted from all angles.

Large trees may not need staking
If you're planting a larger tree it may not need staking. The trunk does need some movement, as this will strengthen it.

Take care
When staking your tree, be careful what you use to tie around the truck. Old stockings are good as they are soft, stretchy and non-abrasive. Gardening stores will have special tapes and ties for staking trees and other garden plants. Make sure you do not tie too tightly around the truck as this can damage your tree.

What to use for a stake
Any strong, straight stick can be used as a stake. Garden centers will sell strong stakes for this purpose but many gardens and sheds may contain some stakes as well. Old fence palings are useful, see what else you can scrounge. If your stakes are pointed on one end they will be easier to drive into the ground.

When to remove a stake
When your tree has been staked long enough to stand on its own, you should carefully remove the stakes from the ground. Make sure your tree is strong enough to withstand buffeting winds and it's trunk is strong enough to hold the whole tree upright.

Where should I plant my tree?

Where's the best spot  for my tree?

Where should I plant it?

When growing a fruit tree, choosing where to put it is the most important factor.
One thing to consider is the proximity of the tree to a building, power lines, nature strips or sidewalks, sewerage or water pipes and any other thing that the tree might disrupt once it grows larger and sends down roots. Once your tree is in the ground, the chances of successfully unearthing it and changing its spot without damaging it are very slim.

How big will it grow?
Be sure you know which size fruit tree you have (dwarf, semi dwarf, or standard) and how big it will end up being once it is an adult. Dwarf trees need an area with an eight-foot diameter to grow. Semi-dwarf fruit trees can grow up to fifteen feet wide. Standard fruit trees can grow as wide as thirty feet. To keep the size of your fruit tree at whatever level is best for you, you can prune them to keep them smaller and accessible..

Give it the right amount of sun 

Another thing that you have to consider when planting a fruit tree it whether or not it is getting all of the sunlight it needs to survive. You also have to be sure it doesn't get too much sunlight, especially while it's young. If your tree doesn't get just the right amount of sun, it will not perform at it's best; it may not fruit and may lose it's leaves.
Check that you do not plant it where the sunlight will be blocked by something at a different point in the season.

Location, location, location

An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a spot for your tree is whether your spot will be convenient for watering, harvesting, and pruning. If you place your fruit tree close to your house or a fence, be sure to keep it well pruned so it does not become a nuisance and unsightly. If your tree grows over your fence the fruit could drop into your neighbor's yard, which might seem like a nice thing but would probably irritate a fair amount of people. And make sure you plant your tree where it will be easy to water. 

 Soil
One of the most important things of all to keep in mind when planting a fruit tree is whether or not the soil in your yard is suitable for your tree. Some trees prefer acidic soil and natives have needs that may be different to fruit trees, so you may choose to plant a fruit tree away from any native trees. Make sure the soil is not boggy and waterlogged, most trees won't do well with sort of soil. Check the drainage.

These blueberry bushes are growing in pots because that is the easiest way to give them the acidic soil they enjoy.

If your soil is less than optimal, consider conditioning it with compost and animal manure. For fruit trees that like acidic soil, blueberries for example, plant them in an area by themselves, or keep them in large pots, where you can give them the soil conditions they prefer. Talk to the staff at your local nursery if you don't know what soil your tree requires. 

 Now, get digging!

How to plant your fruit tree

Planting your new fruit tree at home

First, get your tree home safely
When you have decided on which kind of fruit tree you would like, and where you would like to put it, you can finally plant it. If you purchase your tree from a nursery, be especially careful when you are taking it
home. If it's a tall tree already, make sure you have enough clearance once you have it in the tray of your ute, or truck, or trailer. You don't want your tree to be damaged by driving under something too low for it. Bare rooted trees can be placed in the trunk or boot of the car, they come with their roots wrapped up and no leaves, so just slide the root end in and you leave the bare branches hanging out. Drive, carefully, home.

Check the size of the root ball
When you have arrived with your tree safely at home, look at the bottom of it and see how big the root ball is. It may seem like a lot of work now, but you want to dig a hole that is ideally twice as wide as the ball, and just a little less deep. Making the hole slightly bigger than the root ball allows room for the soil that you dug out to be put back in. Otherwise you would be stuck with a giant heap of unwanted dirt, and nowhere to put it. After you have dug the hole, line the hole with some compost or some aged cow poop, so that the tree will grow better. After you have done this, plop your fruit tree into the hole, and gently spread the roots out evenly so that the tree will be strong and stable. And, er, make sure it's in straight.

Re-fill around your tree
When all of this business is done, take the soil that you dug up and fill in the hole completely. Kids love this part. Unless you want big piles of dirt everywhere,  be sure you use all of the dirt even is it is a couple inches
higher than the rest of your yard. This is because it will compress when watered. Before you firm up the soil, make sure that the tree is completely vertical (important for visual pleasure ) and will not fall over. After you have checked (again!) that the tree is perfectly vertical you can gently firm up the soil.

Does your tree need staking?
If the tree's trunk is not yet completely sturdy and can be bent, you need to tie the tree to a stake with a bit of rope or tape. If using rope, be sure not to tie it tightly to the tree, as you don't want it to cut into the trunk. Once the tree is sturdy enough to withstand all types of weather, you can pull the stake out. When all of this is done you should mulch around the base of the tree, leaving a clear space around the actual trunk. If you live in an area where wildlife can access your yard, put a fence around your tree, because some animals
will eat the bark off of young trees and chew on the tender young leaves.

Water it in well
Give the tree a really good water. You can add some fish emulsion to the water, this helps the roots to settle in well. The liquid, or 'worm juice' out of a worm farm will have the same effect.

Any fruit yet?
Once you have successfully planted your fruit tree it should hopefully start to bear fruit after it is three to five years old. Once your tree starts to carry a lot of fruit you should periodically pick some of the immature fruit so that the branches aren't weighed down too much. If the fruit gets too thick, the branches can actually snap off. On some years your tree might not bear as much fruit as others, but this should not worry you. Healthy trees often take years on “vacation” where they produce little or no fruit. Weather conditions can also have an effect, with too little or too much rain or heat having an impact on fruit production.

Two young blueberry bushes ready to go in the ground.

Taking care of pests
After you've planted your tree you might start to have some problems with pests. To help keep these pests away, always rake away old leaves, brush, or any other decaying matter that could be holding bugs that could be harmful to your tree. Gall wasps will ultimately not kill your tree, though they will disfigure it with branches growing at odd angles. Careful pruning can help this problem. Scale will need to be taken care of but a good spray with white oil will help this problem.

Prune carefully
To make sure that your tree always stays healthy, careful pruning is a must. When to prune will depend on what tree you have. Deep water your tree once or twice a week during dry times, and be sure not to hit your tree with a lawn mower or a weed eater because it could severely damage the growth process. Judicious use of compost or specialist fertilizers should help the produce a fine crop of fruit and as the tree grows, so will your knowledge of how to care for it.

Now get planting!

Planting my very first fruit tree

The first fruit tree I ever planted

Almost everyone’s first tree experience has some embarrassing moments. Nobody can be an expert right away, right? We all make mistakes that sometimes haunt us for years afterwards (not necessarily just gardening mistakes either!) Some of us make worse mistakes than others, though. I think that if there was an award for being the most naïve person to ever attempt growing a tree, I would win.

When I decided to plant a tree of my own, I had the perfect spot in mind. There was a gap in a garden bed up close to the side of the garage. It was probably the least pretty area of what laughingly gets called the front lawn, and I thought I could put something useful in there. Maybe if I had a good looking tree there, the resale value of my house would go up (we were hoping to sell in a couple of years). I envisioned a gorgeous, lush tree covered in bright yellow lemons in about six months. Boy was I wrong.

I decided on a meyer lemon tree. Despite the risk of lemons all over the 'lawn', I thought it would be a great treat in summer to drink bucket loads of delicious home grown lemonade. Just the thought of this was enough to send me quickly driving local nursery and buying the first half way decent lemon tree I spotted. I didn't know enough about trees to look at the roots or any of the signs that it could be an unhealthy tree. I spent the required amount of money, placed the tree on the front seat of my ancient car (it wasn't a very big tree) and headed for home.

I dug the hole right where I wanted the tree. Actually, I told my husband where I wanted the hole dug and HE dug it. Ahem.This took a bit more time than he/I anticipated. Holes are an easy thing to underestimate, it turns out. It’s easy to say that a hole will only take twenty minutes or so, but once you actually start digging it usually progresses a lot slower than you would like. By the time the hole actually got big enough to fit the ball of roots, he certainly didn't feel like digging another few feet around the perimeter as I was suggesting, thanks to a very basic tree planting guide. He'd had enough and so, I was ready to place the tree. With the help of my three year old son, I lifted extracted the tree from it's over size pot and plopped it into the hole. Then, it was time to fill in the hole, which is something the three year old enjoyed,

I couldn't have been happier once that last shovel of dirt went in. I stood back to admire my work. That was when my small son said something that brought reality crushing down, and still stands true today. “Mom, that tree is wonky!” "Oh, really?" I said. "Uh huh" he answered. I convinced myself it was a visual trick created by the uneven edges of the garden bed, and told myself...and my son...that after a good watering and a few days to settle in the tree would be standing straight and upright

So, thinking this was a problem that the tree would naturally outgrow, that, and the weird lumps on some of the branches, I decided to leave it for a while to see what would happen. Every day I went out to check on the progress of the tree; to see if it had was looking straighter than it was the day before, or was providing me with any lemons. Nope, it appeared that it had not improved at all. Not wanting to bother with the effort of digging it up and re-seating it in the hole, I decided to just forget about it. I didn't often go to that particular garden area anyway, so I almost completely pushed the tree from my mind. I decided that if any problem ever came about from leaving the tree 'wonky', I would blame subsidence from the drought we were currently experiencing. The lumps on the branches I thought would disappear once the tree got a few more leaves. Yup, for someone who thought they would have a natural green thumb, it was a pretty good way of advertising how much I didn't know about gardening.

After a couple years of completely ignoring that the tree ever existed, I was sitting inside one day and my son, now five years old, and his younger brother, had been down the side of the house close to the 'lawn' where the wonky lemon tree lived. "There's yellow things all over the tree!" they came inside shouting.
Huh?
I was thinking wasps so I raced out. But the tree, still wonky, was covered in ripe lemons.

This years crop, just ripening up.

On closer inspection the lumps on the branches were still there too, I now know they are caused by gall wasps and can cause the branches to grow in odd directions. A wonky tree, and, one with branches growing out at all angles. Not what I'd envisaged when it came to re-sale value.

Now, I'm not sure what was more embarrassing, that my sons didn't appear to know what a lemon was or that the tree, despite my lack of green thumb and obvious neglect, had come through for me and produced the lemons I had dreamed of.

Tree guilt, anyone?

Want to grow your very own fruit tree?

What to think about when buying a fruit tree

Although the process of growing and caring for a tree is generally not terribly challenging, sometimes the most difficult part of the process is choosing which kind of tree you want. You have to take a few things into account, size of tree, fruit, and any other attributes. The different sizes include: dwarf, semi-dwarf, standard and some trees now come in columnar shapes. Your choice will affect everything about your growing experience, including the amount of work you have to put in and the amount of rewards (fruit) you will reap.

Dwarf trees are ideal if you only have a limited amount of open space in your garden or courtyard. They can take up as much as an eight-foot diameter plot of land, but many will do well with less, and some can be grown in large pots.
Although the dwarf fruit trees are smaller than the others, their fruit is just the same size as that of a standard tree and their short stature makes them easier to prune and harvest. Dwarf fruit trees aren't known for living quite as long as larger fruit trees, though, so keep that in mind. They should begin to bear fruit after three to five years, so if you are going to buy a dwarf fruit tree from a nursery, always ask to find out how old it is.

A small navel orange planted in my front yard. 

Semi-dwarf trees are medium sized, and when they are full grown they can take up a fifteen-foot diameter. Semi-dwarf fruit tree's height can range from as low as ten feet to as high as sixteen feet. To keep them from getting to large you need to prune them at least once a year. Occasionally, a semi-dwarf fruit tree will take a season off and produce little or no fruit, but mostly they produce hundreds of fruit every year if treated well and kept in their ideal conditions. Many people enjoy owning semi dwarf fruit trees because they produce more fruit than a dwarf tree, but they are easier to harvest and maintain than a standard fruit tree because of their size.

Standard sized fruit trees take up much more area than any of the smaller tree varieties, and because of this they are harder to manage and to harvest all of the fruit. If you do not prune them at least once a year they can grow as large as thirty feet. If you are just looking for a good tree to provide you with plenty of delicious fruit and to keep your yard shady, a standard sized tree would be the perfect tree for you. Standard sized fruit trees can take a very long time to reach their full height, but they usually begin to bear fruit after only three to five years.

As a child, I remember picking plums from a neighbors almighty plum trees. They were an elderly couple and unable to get up into the branches, so my parents would bring ladders and all of us six kids would be scrambling up and down these tall ladders collecting the out of reach plums.

Now, the best variety of fruit tree to buy would be one that sets fruit and does well in your area, because a local fruit tree takes less work and will be well suited to the local conditions. Although fruit trees bearing other, more exotic kinds of fruit may seem more exciting, they may not grow as well in your area. That’s not to say it’s impossible. You can definitely try to grow a more exotic tree, it is possible to make an area of micro-climate in a pocket of your yard or garden that would suit a particular tree, but it will take much more time and effort.

Another factor to take into consideration is what kind of soil you have, because some trees do better in damp soil while others are better suited for drier soil. Some prefer more acidic soils and some will enjoy sandier conditions. Some trees have a high chill factor needed before they will set fruit, so if you are in an area with mild winter temperatures, you may want to avoid an apple tree. You may, however, have much more success planting a mango or avocado tree, which enjoy the heat.

So, before choosing which type of fruit tree you would like, consult your local nursery or gardening store to find out which trees would do well in your area. Have a look around your neighborhood to see what other people are growing.

Picking an apple off a columnar apple tree, known as a Ballerina apple.

Other things that you should look out for when purchasing a fruit tree at a nursery or market is how sturdy it is, are all of the branches looking strong, none of them weakened or partially torn from rough handling? How straight does the tree stand, is it droopy and sad looking or vibrant and healthy?

Check the foliage, if it has any (some trees are sold bare rooted in the winter, so will have no leaves), check for pests and scale on the leaves and trunk.

Making a well considered decision can mean the difference between a successful tree that brings you pleasure to look at (and fruit) or a tree that never does well in the place you put it. Do your research, and aim for the former!