As we approach the darkest part of the year, for the northern hemisphere, it’s a good time to retreat a bit, rest and relax, especially following the Thanksgiving holiday.
With the temperatures being rather temperate, for this time of year, it is a good time to do fall pruning of pome fruits, apples and pears.
This is called “Summer Pruning” by a guy I follow from UC Santa Cruz. It’s any time before we enter winter and freezing temperatures, when the tip growth of these trees has stopped. You’re looking for terminal bud stage where leaf growth has ceased for the season. If you prune before this stage you will encourage the growth of laterals and not shunt the energy to spur formation. Fruiting “spurs” are where blossoms form and fruiting happens. Pruning for fruit, or to encourage fruit spur formation, should be fairly conservative. I used to be more aggressive but after years of few, if any, fruiting spurs I’ve changed my approach.
