How to Do Summer Pruning To Keep Fruit Trees Small

[@mjk9388]

I can attest to David's recommendation of Ann Ralph's "Grow a Little Fruit Tree". It's not only a very enjoyable book, but it really gets into why smaller fruit trees are almost always better than larger ones. If that sounds counter-intuitive, read the book. If you want to save some time, here's a general guide and tips. 1) Buy the smallest bareroot fruit tree you can. I like Willis Orchard's 1-3 foot tall trees for overall price and value. When you get it in the ground, cut it down to knee high. 2) The tree will branch out at where you cut it. Once it starts growing, keep pruning the tops and watch it branch out more. 3) Keep it to the height where you can reach up and get the fruit without getting a ladder. Any higher and the tree will produce too much for your family to consume at one time. The fruit that doesn't get picked will fall to the ground and attract nasty parasites that will end up hurting your tree. 4) The pruning makes the branches grow stronger, faster which will better support heavier loads of fruit, especially when the tree is young. 5) The constant pruning will tell the tree that it needs to send it's energy into making fruit, not stems. 6) I would also suggest making a fruit hedge along your borders. I'm doing this with everbearing mulberries. The benefit is whenever I trim the tops to keep them below the fence line, I get a new flush of mulberries. Leave a thumbs up if you found this comment helpful.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

EXCELLENT comment, you should get a pin at the top of this section. Thank you or enlightening me on some of the topics in the book and giving me a mental snapshot!

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I was indeed thinking in my head, I don't mind reaching up to 10-12 feet with a tool for picking or climbing a tree a bit. My peach tree in my backyard is about at 15 feet and we have SO MANY PEACHES. It's cool, but we aren't utilizing the space for anyting else so it works. And I have fun whacking it with bamboo poles to knock ripe peaches down haha. It's hard to climb a peach tree actually, they're so steep and skinny

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

Yes! I have a Willis Orchard Nectarine and I am going to prune as soon as my copy of this book comes in. Also, just bought a Scarlet Beauty Plum. It needs serious pruning too.

[@theodoradule]

I was wondering how beneficial this pruning method will be for mulberries, thanks for the example!

[@matthewfarrell317]

Apart from number 5, fully agree. But the more you prune, the more the branch will split, I have to control the nectarine on a plum/nectarine mult graft. Every time I pinch the growth, it splits.

[@paulblankenship7865]

Your sweet little helper stole the show David. God bless y’all

[@davidthegood]

She's the berry inspector.

[@Kim_Hill]

Your garden helper has her mothers beautiful face!

[@qualqui]

Yeah, I noticed that also as well. With her Mom's beauty and intelligence and her Dad's gardening skill, she'll be an instant success!

[@karen-hillshomestead]

Agreed!

[@davidthegood]

Wait... her mom's intelligence? I'm no slouch here, Joe!

[@karen-hillshomestead]

@@davidthegood LOL

[@qualqui]

@@davidthegood lol....well beautiful you aren't David, and its only natural you also are intelligent, its just that Rachel isn't just beautiful, she's brainy as well! ;)

[@tradermunky1998]

"Something has been chewing on this tree. Nature is mean." Then proceeds to chop off half the tree. 😂

[@patsanzone8019]

My favorite book. My 9 tree orchard is pumping out fruit this year for the first time, I have peaches , apples , plumbs and pears with as much fruit on them that we can eat in a year, Fighting that apical dominance like a boss. Thanks David for giving me the confidence to be aggressive with my trees. You are the best.

[@theorangetreehomestead6660]

Thank you for explaining this. Very important to keep trees at the desired height for backyard orchards.

[@KellenChase]

I don’t know how I never get tired of the endless amounts of videos you put out, or how incredibly prolific you are… I am always looking forward to seeing when you’re going to talk about, abd I have to say, I can’t wait for your book (assuming it’s comíng) on your grocery row gardening system. Thanks for the book suggestion. Gonna go get it now as I’ve got 8 mango seedlings from seed in pots and bought my first couple fruit trees this week.

[@davidthegood]

Thank you. I will probably write the Grocery Row book in a year or two, after I've worked the system out.

[@KellenChase]

@@davidthegood I thought that would be the case. It’s really awesome to see the work in process (of both the system and the creative force of a book in the making as well).

[@cadenmefford8145]

I got the grow a little fruit tree book about two years ago. It was a huge help in the beginning, especially having pictures to reference.

[@davidthegood]

I agree. She makes it simple.

[@ZE308AC]

Moral of the story Don't be afraid to prune your trees. It is for the best of the tree.

[@tytyvyllus8298]

We bought Grow A Little Fruit Tree on DTG's (months ago) recommendation and can confirm its quality.

[@garden_geek]

I went full psychopath on my kiwis and my peach tree after watching the last video and they have literally never looked better. I was so afraid to do the necessary pruning that last summer I lost an entire branch on my peach tree that was loaded up with nearly-ripe peaches. It broke off in a wind storm. It was such a bummer. This year there’s far less fruit but that’s ok because the tree looks way better and can handle our summer wind. Thank you for bringing out my inner pruning psychopath!

[@V13-u1c]

Your humor is wonderful! Thanks mister~that baby is gonna be a master gardener when she gets older. Way to go Momma and Papa!

[@stephanygates6491]

When you lopped off the canna blossom, I thought of Mortician Addams and her roses.

[@karen-hillshomestead]

LOL

[@zachlloyd9392]

Absolutely love the kids in the food forest/garden. My kids love being in my food forest. Especially now that the blackberries are ripening 😁

[@johnfichtner4616]

We had a bunch of young apple trees when I was a kid. Our goats got out and stripped nearly all of the bark off of one of them. That tree ended up being the biggest best producing apple tree in our orchard.

[@davidpritchett855]

I loved the scene sharing berries with your kiddo. That's why I watch your videos. I currently suck at gardening and I barely let the kids in the garden because everything always seems to be barely hanging in there and I really want to get a good return on the effort. It's probably too much of a spirit of fear but it's difficult to not feel that way when I have very little time outside of my 9-5.

[@davidthegood]

It is really hard to do all that you want to get done when you're on the clock for a big chunk of your life.

[@karenjones9422]

I have that book and love it! I'm following it to grow 2 apples and a plum

[@halleluyah8241]

Right on time! Thanks, DTG. :) Cutest assistant ever! Hugs to the little sweetie-pie!

[@AVSgirl1985]

I love seeing the kids in your videos!!

[@MrsGreenThumb]

Oh my goodness your helper is adorable. The tree is looking fantastic David.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

Great video David! Pruning, always an ignored topic in permaculture videos on youtube except the same story about the peach tree. Thanks for digging in and then explaining the time of year with the sap rising and falling and vigor grow or cut... that was very helpful.

[@heathermartin2878]

O my heart. So cute

[@MadlovesJ]

More small fruit tree maintaining and berry maintaining, potted and in ground! Pppplleeeaaseeee

[@dancemontec]

I'm gonna go prune my two apple trees now! THanks

[@lvanderb3]

Thanks so much for this information! I just went out and really trimmed down my big old (well, 20ish yrs old) multi grafted apple tree

[@misterdubity3073]

This was way better pruning advice than Mr. Miyagi gave to Daniel-san. Thank you. Plus, you are an awesome dad!

[@teresaamsler5083]

Thank you, David, for your inspiration. I enjoy your common sense approach. I started a lasagna bed last weekend. I was giddy making the layers because I had all the material on my one acre to complete a 3' x 8', 9-layer bed to 2 1/2 foot height. I almost panicked when I thought I was running out of greens when I remembered you chopping up that perennial tree in the tropics. I used my cottonwood suckers! Bless you and your family. 👍😎👍

[@Carol-nv6py]

The babies are the best of your videos! Love them.

[@babetteisinthegarden6920]

Oh, I know what you mean about not pruning your hedges I have eugenia or Australian Bush cherries that are about 30 or 40 feet tall, so I guess I better go out and prune my Peach seedlings I usually top everything at 5 feet, but I don't keep up with them so that's why I have a 25-foot-tall avocado tree it through a new leader and I didn't catch it

[@t3dwards13]

Just ordered some of all three offerings. Love helping the kids! Your younger daughter is adorable, barefoot in the garden. Haha Also, my tshirt finally arrived! Everything worked out!

[@geraldfranz9085]

Multitasking in the garden, a kid in one hand and a pair of snips in the other. Teaching good gardeners and good children all at the same time. U B my hero DTG. 😎👍👉💥🛎🌱 Keep on rockin in the green world !!! 🎶🎸🎶🎸🌱🌱🌱🎸🎶🎸🎶 Ya, dat iz goot !!! 😁👍👏👏👏👏

[@Homesteading247]

This is the knowledge on keeping fruit trees manageable that I've been seeking 🌱🌻 I love how you parent your children ✝️

[@bettylane6982]

Your little girl looks just like Rachael - imagine that! Check out Paul Gauche’s pruning, he’s a master pruner and his apple trees are unusual to say the least. He trims any branch growing in or up to keep them low to the ground. Your soil must be improving with six feet of growth in 4 months. Good job!

[@zeph2076]

Aww! What a pretty baby! I've noticed your kids are super well behaved. Sign of loving parents. Thanks so much for all the tips! Fruit trees are so confusing to me, haha.

[@KYKAYAKER274ey1]

You’re very blessed we’ve had 3 boys always wanted a girl but I’m very blessed but in awe of your helper

[@hamhawk4027]

Thank you so much for all the hard work you and your wife put into the videos.

[@Homesteading247]

Thanks!

[@Carolynfoodforest355]

Good video and your children are awesome and that little girl is just too cute.

[@carminedecicco1753]

She is adorable !!!

[@putiwang7679]

"Grow a little fruit tree". That is what i want. I read that book. But I am in Florida, i don't have apple trees. Instead i have avocado, mango trees...

[@qualqui]

Thank you David for sharing this Father/daughter time with us, while Mom's the Camera Lady, love every glimpse of your IRIE garden, wow those Cannas are HUGE, loved seeing the Apricot tree. So I guess this also applies to tropical fruit trees? LOL...you give her a blueberry and she gives it back, prefers a strawberry and then what's left of the blueberries she gives you one and she eats another, I'm thinking, at the moment she's the youngest of The Good Children? Thanks for sharing and liked. chop and drop to maintain order and control in your grocery row/orchard garden. :)

[@karen-hillshomestead]

Yes, she's the youngest but there is another one on the way! :)

[@AAHomeGardening]

Yes, I prune heavily as well, so i can reach the fruits and berries Lovely baba as well

[@fadista7063]

Good to see the little ones in the garden 😃, this reminds me of my mom teaching me how to save seeds from marigolds and citrus as a child This pruning for control is exactly what I am trying to do in my small city lot. Thanks for these demos...I have an odd question, though. Will this pruning cause the roots to branch out more also? I have a sewer line and it was encroached by roots before. Also, do yall have a recipe you like for chaya? I have a lot coming up and want to cook it correctly.

[@davidthegood]

Pruning is supposed to reduce root growth. As for chaya, I just boil it for 20 minutes, then eat it as a side. Rachel has used cooked chaya leaves as a replacement for noodles in lasagna, too.

[@fadista7063]

@@davidthegood ok thanks much! I am definitely cutting that mango back and trying some chaya this weekend. 🌿

[@DustySplinters]

Great Video... You are absolutely correct. If you prune vertical growth mid summer, the tree looses the desire to regrow a vertical leader in that spot. We want more horizontal growth. I wonder if the early use of training trees espalier was to promote horizontal growth or just for decoration? Peace, W

[@FlannelFarms]

Best helper ever!

[@FlannelFarms]

@@davidthegood well shucks.

[@laurab9247]

“What do you want your trees to do? Make them DO IT,” A wise saying from a wise man, David the Good

[@rogerbeck5704]

Bought the book, great information, I had just bought several fruit trees, they are now little fruit trees, can't wait to see how the trees respond. Highly recommend the book!

[@Homesteading247]

Holy moly!!! I've been wondering where to plant my Canas 😲 you're a genius lol

[@IS-217]

Thanks for sharing David I need to do this. OMG your daughter is so cute! lol She seems interested in what you are doing lol. So cute guys. Cheers! Happy gardening.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

Good heavens!! I just bought that book 15 minutes before seeing your video. Lol. God's timing!

[@jerrodthompson6714]

DTG, you are a treasure. Thank you

[@robertlong8364]

ever dealt with armadillos or moles (in addition to squirrels and and leaf footed bugs? ) Central FL gardening is a challenge ....

[@Sam-tg4ii]

Love the family atmosphere

[@davidthegood]

She used to be way taller.

[@nancyfahey7518]

I have a nectarine that's doing great. The peach died. Do I need another to pollinate? I'm thinking of bringing in a carolina plum.

[@davidthegood]

Some self-pollinate, I believe, but almost all fruit trees do better with a mate. You should have another peach or nectarine to pollinate, not a plum.

[@hagenoft]

And I'm off to go prune my grocery isle backyard garden. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@angelbear_og]

Any advice on pruning mature (12'+) apple & pear trees? Lots of death needs to be taken off of both, but I want to "fix" the rest. Just bought this property, trees haven't been managed, probably ever. Also have three really huge pecan trees, don't know what, if anything, should be done with them.

[@ritahorton8229]

Your little helper was the show stopper. Loved the tour and tips! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@green_stiller]

"Something's been chewing on it too. That's normal. That's called nature." hahaha

[@melanielinkous8746]

Do you recommend pruning my fig tree this time of year? There are a couple of figs on it.

[@davidthegood]

If you wish to keep it small, you can prune now. If you want to eat the figs first, prune after harvest.

[@davidthegood]

But know this: if you prune too late in the year, the tree may get burned worse by frost due to trying to make new growth.

[@melanielinkous8746]

@@davidthegood ok....might just wait til winter. Thanks!

[@notmyfault6835]

If I am not mistaken, fig trees only fruit on new wood... so pruning a fig is a good idea if you want lots of fruit. 🤗

[@MJ-ti6oh]

Great post. Such a sweet little girl. Thanks for sharing.

[@maggievw1166]

I didn't have to prune my 30-year-old peach tree (bush) this spring. A hickory that didn't survive the ice storm did it for me. Luckily the old girl survived and will still fruit some this year.

[@karen-hillshomestead]

Great video. Thanks David!

[@monapotter908]

So cute !

[@marcelploeger8286]

I love fruit Trees

[@blindpro6404]

love it, prune like a phyco

[@biggersmilesinasia8402]

When's good for pruning if in the tropics? Do our trees go to sleep??? Too hot to sleep?

[@davidthegood]

To reduce the tree's size, prune when it's actively growing during the rainy season.

[@biggersmilesinasia8402]

@@davidthegood Thanks David. Perfect time at the moment then. My mulberry is going mental!!!

[@manguydude287]

David got me into aggressive pruning. Now I'm watching videos of Peter chan chopping at bonsais with an axe and sledge hammer

[@FloridaGirl-]

Very good vid! 👍 You can read and read. But nothing like seeing 👀 hands on! Especially trees! Your garden is looking pretty awesome! Love the apricot tree 🤣. About 10’ . Looks at branch, “ this makes me feel insecure. “. Starts cutting. Now its 4’. Now I feel better. 🤣🤣🤣. Dave, you are a psychopath. 🤣

[@seralaltidor370]

That’s what I want is a a couple of different variety of mango trees in my back yard. My plan is to keep them in huge pots and to keep them trimmed. I’m lucky that I live in Florida and there’s a nursery near me that can get many different variety of mango trees.

[@latoyalynch4325]

Thanks for mentioning not to drop the cut branches under the tree because I usually chop and drop now I know better thanks 🇯🇲

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

Bonsai is all about pruning. Some of the best trees are found in the wild. Pruned by deer and freezing winters as well as blazing summers.

[@davidthegood]

Absolutely.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

WHAT!? Never heard that! Didn't think there was much pruning in the wild after they reached a certain height above browsing level... thanks for sharing Matthew!

[@elizebethparker5412]

Very timely, thank you

[@cooperchauvin8163]

Your daughter is adorable! Already mulching the canna hahahaha

[@jettyeddie_m9130]

I like the little strawberries also they are the sweetest , your daughter has good strawberry eye 🙂

[@davidthegood]

I can't believe how good she is at spotting berries.

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

Thank you! I wondered if you were going to cover summer pruning. Unfortunately the trees is bought are branched a bit higher at the main yard, due to the size I bought them at... but I'll make them work. Hope daughters a 💓. Wish my kids were still that size.

[@Cheezitnator]

If I'm growing a ponderosa lemon or pomelo and want to keep it short do I need to give it extra support for the heavy fruits? Maybe I should just try to espalier them across my fence.

[@elizabethcoen4110]

David, this is great info. How long before you will expect to get regular fruit production on those trees? I imagine it takes a few years to get them pruned and growing the way you want them.

[@evatheoverthinker6762]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@tanarehbein7768]

Okay you get the prize for cutest assistant ever.

[@themusenextdoor]

SO USEFUL! I have to be very careful with pruning my food forest because both size and appearance are important considerations in a patio garden.

[@Iloveorganicgardening]

"it makes me feel insecure"" Lol I too feel your pain When I buy a tool and can't find it when I need it

[@TRINITY-ks6nw]

I keep my tools on trellises et fencing There is less walking et transporting of tools Rust is a battle though Our rural community is rife with theft No one has ever stolen a hoe, shovel, pruner, scythe Tools that represent work have been safe to date

[@Iloveorganicgardening]

@@TRINITY-ks6nw yea, they aren't going to steal tools that you actually have to use to do real work right?!?

[@tcs007]

Dude, you're a lunatic! I'm in!

[@twylavarn]

Thank you so much! I am new to your channel and books. Also the free book link is no longer working …. I am in north Florida… near Osceola National forest… I’m excited about implementing your ideas on my property ☺️!!!

[@davidthegood]

Thank you. Welcome!

[@ginger4994]

I am a member and am looking for the link too.

[@DucPham-ok5ko]

I'm living in MN (zone 4 B). I got some Asian pear trees. I watched a lot of clips about pruning. I'm confusing about that. What's different between summer pruning and winter pruning? which one for more fruit and which one for shape

[@johnmcdonough955]

What disinfectant do you use on your shears?

[@davidthegood]

Usually vodka.

[@geraldfranz9085]

@@davidthegood on the shears or the shearer ??? Or both ??? 😁👍

[@lizzyloo8815]

Hey, burning question: can I take out a central leader of a pear (diameter about 1.5” x 1.5”), in the summer? I’m learning as I go and now trying to get my trees down some-after being afraid to prune for a couple of years. Please reply. Love your videos.

[@essenceofanarchony8892]

Do you live on an old abandoned atomic test site? Those trees got huge!

[@156aliciasy]

Hello, how would I do this to keep a Dogwood kousa about 8 ft with flowers?

[@kimberlylocklear611]

So much knowledge God bless. I have a question. I bought 2 apple trees this spring from the local Tractor Supply and one is growing slightly bent, it's tall maybe 6/6 1/2 foot tall is it too late to cut back?

[@davidthegood]

I would cut it back.

[@kimberlylocklear611]

@@davidthegood thanks

[@expatconn7242]

Should I prune my peach 🍑 after it bears 🍑s ? Do it now ?

[@156aliciasy]

Will the tree trunk get wide with all the pruning?

[@VickiLynnShaver]

How in the heck do you get your Canna Lillies to grow so big?? i planted 3 or 4 bulbs a year ago in the Spring and they've never gotten larger than about a foot. They are planted in sand near my banana plants. I water them well, but have not used fertilizer. Any suggestions? FYI - I'm in Big Bend area of Florida. Thanks!

[@LuEllen-LTH]

Prune Like a Psychopath - the Sequel! Well done! I am the Powerful Queen of my orchard. Chop off their heads! David, you makes me feel Fearless... on the other hand, you encourage my Psychopathic Tendencies. Come to think of it, gardening is a Good outlet for those tendencies, so I'll look for that pruning tool I bought last season. Edward Scissorhands got nothing on me. Wait, where is that pruner, anyway? Maybe Edward has a... point. Built in garden tools is the way to go.

[@gardentuber.]

is the vase shape good for just things like prunus or is it good for all trees?

[@davidthegood]

Best for prunus, but I use it on almost everything.

[@VictoriaChaseCraftyKeepsakes]

Oh my! What are those tall plants with the red edges that are behind you at the apricot tree? (3:20)

[@VictoriaChaseCraftyKeepsakes]

Note to self: Finish watching the video before asking questions! (10:15)

[@baddriversofcolga]

Anne Ralph's book is great! I also really like Steven Edholm's (Skillcult) videos on apple/pear pruning.

[@davidthegood]

Me too.

[@matthewfarrell317]

If you want high density planting, then you have to not be afraid of pruning, we have 25 trees in a 60sq metre area, and they all need to be pruned to make sure nothing over tops the others.

[@theteenagegardner]

Just wanted too ask does your daughter still sell canna roots on her Etsy shop?

[@davidthegood]

Not at this time of year - she's sold out for now.

[@theteenagegardner]

@@davidthegood I can see why lol

[@MalkiZee]

What's the red flower at 9:30 ?

[@deathlesszero]

Beautiful video! How many kids do you have David?

[@davidthegood]

10.