Research results from Massachusetts, Ohio and Europe also supported our results.

Removing growth during the summer to open canopies to allow more light and improve fruit color is effective.

When to prune Summer prune when the bottom third of the new shoots is stiff and woody. Generally, this will be from mid-July for pears and the third week in August for apples and about ten days later in the north.

To reduce the possibility of secondary growth it can be left until late August. Oct 25, Summer pruning later than mid-July will have no effect on flower bud development.

Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

Removal of vigorous shoots that create shade can be removed about 14 to 10 days before harvest to increase fruit red color development for some varieties but the increased color will be relatively small. Summer Pruning Non-Vigorous Apple TreesEstimated Reading Time: 10 mins. Jun 15, Summer pruning mainly takes place in mid summer (July and August in the northern hemisphere), but it's a good idea to go out early and acquaint yourself with what's going on, so you know what you'll be lopping off next month.

If your tree is very advanced you could start straight away. Look at this year's growth. May 26, It can be very effective when used in supplement to dormant pruning with good timing. Summer pruning is very effective in controlling growth and removing unwanted growth on young developing trees.

In fact, it is very effective in early summer such as pinching of strong laterals in the upper regions of the Central Leader, Vertical Axe or Slender Spindle trees if your intention is to Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins. Mar 16, CORVALLIS, Ore. - You can prune an apple tree any time of the year without hurting it, but late winter, just before spring, is probably best.

The worst of the cold weather is past, so you won't be subjecting the fresh cuts to severe icing, but you'll still be able to influence the tree's spring stumpcut.barted Reading Time: 4 mins.