Basics of Pruning Fruit Trees - Step-by-step explanation

One of the most common questions I see and hear is "How do I prune my fruit tree?". For many people, this is a daunting task because of the fear that has been put into people that if you don't do it right then the tree won't grow properly. It is also common practice to hear that pruning fruit trees require special techniques and experience.

Well, I am here to tell you that pruning your own fruit tree at home is really simple and anyone can do it. All you need is to understand the basics of pruning fruit trees and tools. The basic principles you need are not complicated and form the basis of everything you will ever do relating to pruning your trees.

There are more advanced pruning techniques that can go into a lot of detail and we will still cover those in future videos. There are also some trees that have different pruning requirements, however, if you apply these basics of pruning fruit trees you will never have a tree not grow, bear fruit or be healthy.

Applying this technique to the fruit trees in your garden opens the tree to allow for better airflow and easier access to fruit. It allows for even growth and nutrient distribution and is aesthetically pleasing.

If you have any questions, suggestions or recommendations on pruning fruit trees then please leave me a comment.

Video Timeline

00:00 - Introduction
00:33 - About My Sustainability Journey
00:41.- Overview of the basics of pruning
06:00 - Complete view of pruned trees
07:32 - Overview of pruning for a bushy effect
08:58 - Explaining sap flow
12:54 - Explaining pruning in the garden
15:43 - Example of a pruned fig tree

[MySustainabilityJourney]

If you have any questions about the basics of pruning your fruit trees then please let me know. If there is something specific you would like to get more info on please also let me know so I can try get a detailed video made up for you 🌱

[peacepeaceful]

I have 16 mangoe trees. 8 are about 8m to 10m high. The trunks are on average 40 to 50 CM across. I am going to cut them down in size. I'm stuck between cutting the trunk off a metre high and starting again. Is this possible? Or should I just cut the branches close to the ground.
The other 8 are thinner at the trunk. Have less branches so look like they can be cut back to about 1m long measuring from the trunk out.
Any advise please.

[maribelariasblogs]

Thanks for the video good idea happy day god bless you my friend 🙏🙏🙏

[simonemary]

What if you missed the dormancy period and they’ve already had a lot of growth this spring? Can I still do some hard pruning?

[ohfice]

Could you explain how to prune to ensure straight growth? So on your diagram it would be explaining how you got that very first line sprouting from the ground to be perfect straight. Basically the straight foundation before the outward growths. Thank you!

[SlaschD]

Thanks for the video.
Would these pruning principles apply all fruit trees such as citrus as well? A request on pruning existing trees that are already established but have been neglected and getting them back in shape. What is that black paint on the cut area? Is it necessary to paint all cuts?

[khathutshelonelukalo]

Thank you so much for sharing, this video is useful to me .