I'm looking for some advice on pruning my patio fruit trees. I've got a cherry and a plum tree that are supposed to stay small, but they've grown way too big and haven't produced any fruit for two years. I read that I should be pruning in July or August, but I went ahead and cut them back because they were out of control. Can anyone suggest how and when I should properly prune these trees to encourage fruit growth and manage their size? Oh, and I have a pear tree that's also not doing well. All of them are about 5 years old. Thanks!
2 Answers
Hey there! First off, it sounds like your trees may not be patio varieties if they're growing that big. Typically, to keep them small while still producing fruit, you’d want to prune in late July or August. This timing helps avoid cutting new growth too early, which can lead to more unwanted growth later on. When you prune, aim to cut back this year’s new growth to about 3-5 leaves, and that should help with fruit production too. Just remember, if your trees are flowering but not fruiting, it might be a pollination issue rather than just pruning. Also, check if they're self-fertile; many cherries and plums aren't! Good luck!
Location really matters when it comes to fruit trees. If your trees aren't thriving, it could be due to the conditions where you live. I’m on the north east coast of Scotland myself, and I find that my trees do best under cover because of the salty air and harsh winds. If you can, try to provide some shelter for them. Just remember, even though some trees can survive in tough conditions, they need the right environment to really flourish and produce fruit!
Thanks for the tips! I think I might have had some bad luck with the weather too, as there were many flowers initially but they got damaged by strong winds. Hopefully, pruning will help next year!