When to prune apple and pear
Late winter, after the coldest weather. Late-winter pruning after severe cold has passed lowers winter-injury risk. Wounds heal as growth starts. In fire blight areas, dry dormant weather is the time to cut out cankers.
| Type | fruit tree |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | old wood (spurs) |
| Bloom season | spring |
| When to prune | Late winter, after the coldest weather |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Fall and early-winter pruning (more cold injury); pruning in wet spring weather (fire blight spread).
Also
Summer: remove water sprouts.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | Jan 13–Feb 17 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | Jan 27–Mar 3 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | Feb 4–Mar 11 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | Feb 13–Mar 20 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | Mar 5–Apr 9 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | Jan 16–Feb 20 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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Sources
- Penn State Extension: Pruning Fruit Trees
- University of Minnesota Extension: Pruning trees and shrubs
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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