Manipulating vigor: Dormant pruning is an invigorating process that stimulates vegetative growth by diverting the stored energy in a fewer buds.Narrow branch angles are typically weak and they may break under the weight of developing fruit.

Strength: Branch angles between a vertical trunk and lateral shoots are stronger as they approach a 90 degree angle.

Air circulation: Pruning can reduce branch crowding, reduce the amount of foliage inside the canopy and enable better air circulation that reduces humidity and allows for better coverage of protectant products (e.g., pesticides).

Sunlight interception and distribution: Adequate pruning can promote better sunlight distribution and maximize photosynthesis, which is the mechanism for carbohydrates and energy production to support growth and development.

Architecture & size: Fruit trees are pruned to establish the basic tree architecture and to manipulate the tree size.

Winter Pruningįruit trees are pruned for a number of reasons including: Information on fruit tree pruning and training systems can be found on this page. The soil type, irrigation system, tree spacing, and management experience will also contribute to the success of a rootstock and training system combination. Choosing the correct scion and rootstock combination is essential to ensure that trees will have the appropriate vigor and perform properly for the training methods used. As a result, growers are seeing increased profitability and greater potential for enhanced mechanization of operations.

Many modern tree fruit orchards are planted high-density using dwarfing rootstocks and training systems designed for maximum sunlight interception, higher fruit yields and quality, and easier worker access.

Updated by Bernardita Sallato, WSU, February 2022

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