Fruit trees should be pruned annually. Only through annual pruning can you properly train a tree to develop and produce maximum crops of quality fruit. Most pruning is done during the dormant season after the danger of winter injury is over, usually from February until just before bloom. Prune as late as possible, because pruning causes the limbs to deharden and makes the tree more subject to cold injury. Fall pruning is not recommended. It delays the development of winter hardiness and can lead to severe winter injury, particularly on young trees. Summer pruning has an extreme dwarfing and devitalizing effect, and is restricted primarily to removing water sprouts and suckers from trees.

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