How to Prune Dwarf Fruit Trees

There are a couple trains of thought when it comes to pruning fruit trees, whether they are dwarf or standard size. Some feel that less is best while other use a shaping approach. It's a matter of personal choice as to which method you use as long as you prune. Pruning helps fruit trees reach their potential and ward off disease.

1. Remember to only prune trees during dormancy.


2. Get a sturdy, freestanding ladder and an assistant to hold it and aid you. You want to be as safe as possible.


3. Have long-handled and hand-held pruning shears, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a clean cloth or paper towels. The latter is for cleaning the blades of the shears after removing diseased tissue and between pruning different trees. 


4. Take a step back and look at the current condition of the tree. You want to achieve an overall rounded shape.


5. Remember any limbs that were out of place and take them off to make them even with the rest. Always make cuts at an angle to allow rain water to run off and prune just in front of buds facing out and down when pruning.


6. Observe the conditions within the tree and remove any overlapping and rubbing branches.


7. Open up the interior of the tree be removing branches or limbs that are preventing good airflow through the tree. If a bird cannot fly through an area, it needs thinned out.


8. Inspect the tree for any diseased tissue. It could be a disease that can kill a tree if not removed. If you see diseased tissue, cut at least six inches behind it to remove it and clean the pruning shears well.


9. Read up on various diseases that can affect your particular type of fruit tree. This will help you recognize problems.