Top three reasons for Pruning fruit trees. 1. Reduced risk of Disease 2. Increased Fruit production 3. Controlling the size of your tree The ideal time to prune is when the worst of winter is over, but before the trees start to leaf out. Here in zone 9a Florida we prune our fruit trees in early to mid-February. You will need to adjust your “ideal pruning” time based on your regions weather patterns. Generally, I like to prune in two stages. First, I go thro

Tree pruning is best performed before your fruit tree begins to leaf out in the spring. Check to see when your last freeze is projected to be and aim to prune a week or two after that date. Where we are (Zone 9) that date is usually a few weeks into February, so we aim to prune in late February into early March. Before you make your first cut begin by cleaning your tools. Use Rubbing alcohol on your pruning shears before and after pruning each tree to reduce the risk of spre

Granny Smith has been spreading rumors for years that you can only grow apples in the north. Many people have been convinced their favorite fruits can only be grown in cooler climates. I am here to dispute Granny and boldly say: Just because her apples don't like the heat, doesn’t mean you can’t grow 'em in the hot and humid south. So, before I start, I want to clear Granny Smiths name. Although granny smith apples are not an apple that we carry, they only require 400 chill h