pruning fruit trees

[Capt John]

I often get asked when and how to prune fruit trees.

For different trees I use different techniques. Mostly I try to keep them small and make small cuts often to direct the growth rather than correct the growth.

Most cherries I continually tip to make into hedges.

Mangoes I vase.

Avocados and star fruit I mow. Annually.

Jujube and Mombin I pollard like a spice tree…

And I would say what shape you like is important, and think how high you want to climb as grow trees over your head.

If you guys want.

I have turpentine mangoes. common rootstock.

very fast to grow

15- 20 feet in 2 years.

pot up 6 of them practice pruning and in 3-4 years know from experience exactly what a mango does when cut.

in the mean time follow advice to prune your good mangoes properly. for the next couple of years.

That's the best way to learn, and a freebie!

CJ

[Capt John]

Clean your tools after pruning, and before moving on to other trees or properties!

CFGC recommends using a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol in it before and after use of a tool.

I had a “volunteer” help me out at Calusa Park Elementary school fruit tree Garden last year. They cut the ends off all the branches they could reach on two large nice mango trees. I have tried to corrective prune the trees, but this year they are suffering from Mango malformation disease. Most likely transmitted from contaminated tools. The trees are going to be culled after the school year in order to contain the disease…