January 21, 2021
Deciduous fruit tree pruning is an important practice to maintain tree health and productivity. Larger growers prune their apple and pear trees to a “modified central leader” (upper left). Backyard growers prune all deciduous fruit trees to and “open center” or “vase shape” (lower left). Apple trees often bear fruit on shortened stems called “spurs” (upper right). Pruning wounds develop callus tissue eventually covering the wound (lower right). Pruning sealers interfere with this process and should be avoided. (Jeff Schalau, University of Arizona/Courtesy)
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North central Arizona is a great place to grow deciduous fruit trees including apples, pears, quince, cherries, peaches, plums and apricots.