Pruning Time

Now is the time to really start the pruning. It should have been done by last month but it has been so wet from all the rain that we haven't been able to go out and get the pruning done. The trees haven't started to bloom yet, although they are trying, so we still have time to get the pruning done.
You can prune almost anytime, but now is the best time because you can see the branches easier before the tree starts to bloom and you can shape the tree better this way.
The fruit tree should be shaped like a vase. Make sure you leave some branches in the middle of the tree because if you have a lot of hot sunshine it can burn the center of the tree and really damage it.
You should never take more that 1/3 of the tree in a season. So if you have several large branches to remove to get the shape you desire, this should be done in a number of seasons, not all at once.
Remember the 5 D's, Dead, Diseased, Dying, Damaged and Darn it branches. You know, the ones you hit your head on every time you pass under it when you are mowing the lawn.
There is more information on pruning fruit trees in our gardening site. I will be adding more information on pruning roses and blueberries later.