Pruning fruit trees in August can feel counterintuitive. You might think you need to leave your apple and pear trees well alone while the fruit ripens. But, in my experience, a well-timed summer prune ...

A healthy fruit tree is a magical thing. Besides providing a wealth of delicious food, a thriving tree creates shade and beauty and increases biodiversity in your yard. To keep fruit trees healthy and ...

Q. What is the difference between winter pruning and summer pruning for fruit trees? Does it really make a difference in fruit production? Winter pruning is done during the tree’s dormant period when ...

Over the years, we have been conditioned to believe pruning, while there are leaves on trees, is a capital offense. Consequently, it has probably never crossed the minds of most home orchardists to ...

QUESTION: After the snow was gone, I spent several hours checking out the plants in my yard. While looking at my flowering cherry tree, I noticed several black growths on some of the limbs. Do you ...

Prune fruit trees in late winter or during early spring dormancy for faster healing and stronger growth. Prune lightly in summer to shape trees, but avoid fall or early winter cuts that risk cold ...

Back in March, I wrote about missing winter pruning chores because too many weekends were rainy last dormant season. (“Rain Delays Winter Pruning”, 3/18/23). Now, here in July, the weather is dry, and ...

As summer nears its end and cooler temperatures hint at an arrival, garden lovers in the Bay Area have an ideal window to prepare for a successful fall season. Proper planning in late summer, ranging ...