Most apple tree owners know our fruit trees should be pruned. But when we’re standing in front of the tree with pruning shears in hand, knowing how to begin the surgery can feel intimidating. Apple ...

As you start to think of Spring time weather, you may begin looking around the yard making a to-do list to accomplish. One of those looming tasks may be finally “attacking” that old apple tree. Late ...

Fresh homegrown fruit sounds absolutely wonderful. Who would not like to pick a fresh red juicy apple from your own tree in the backyard? Unfortunately the fantasy does not always match reality. When ...

Last week we discussed the importance of spreading scaffold branches of trees that have upright growing habits. This week we're going to discuss what happens to the plant tissues when branches are ...

Late winter/early spring is an excellent time to prune backyard apple trees. Pruning opens up the dense canopy that allows better air movement, light penetration, reduces pest and disease pressure, ...

My last article introduced the concept of structural pruning for young trees. The first two steps in the process of training a tree to a central leader and removing poorly attached branches were ...

Conventional wisdom has it that pruning apple and pear trees is best done before the flower and leaf buds open. This year many apples and pears are blossoming very early — even before we've had a ...

Summer pruning can reduce tree height and overall size making harvesting easier, improve fruit size next year and make dormant season pruning next winter much easier. GARY KAZANJIAN Fresno Bee file ...