As the weather warms and winter recedes, experts are encouraging New Hampshire residents to begin pruning their fruit-bearing plants. According to Jeremy DeLisle, fruit and vegetable production specialist for University of New Hampshire Extension, “We often say, ‘The worst pruning cuts are the ones we don’t make,’ meaning that regular, annual pruning is critical to maintaining healthy, productive plants. Our demos go into detail about the science behind pruning, enabling participants to take what they’ve learned home and utilize that new knowledge immediately.”
Pruning is recommended in March and April after severe cold has passed but before plants exit dormancy. This timing helps avoid injury from low temperatures and ensures flower buds are visible while allowing wounds to heal quickly.
Proper pruning benefits both fruiting trees and berry plants by regulating growth, increasing yields, improving fruit quality, preventing disease, and maintaining plant health. For ornamental trees and shrubs, it enhances structure, promotes vigor, increases flower production, improves overall health, and manages size.
DeLisle advises following the “three Ds” approach: remove anything dead, damaged or diseased. Additionally, branches that cross over each other should be pruned out. Understanding how different cuts affect plant growth is important; heading cuts encourage branching while thinning cuts strengthen existing shoots.
For fruit trees such as apples and pears—typically pruned to a single leader—pruning begins the year after planting with staking as an initial step. Nectarines and peaches may require early training for primary branch development. Overgrown trees should be managed gradually over several years without removing more than one-third of the canopy at once.
Small fruits like blueberries benefit from annual late dormant season pruning focused on removing older canes after three years of establishment. Blackberries and raspberries have unique requirements depending on variety; fall-bearing raspberries are usually mowed in early spring while all brambles should be supported with wires or posts if necessary.
Grapes also require yearly dormant-season pruning starting with cutting back to two strong buds during planting year. Training systems vary but aim to maintain productivity and manage disease.
Ornamental tree care generally involves late dormant period pruning except for spring-blooming varieties which should be pruned post-bloom to preserve flower buds. Exceptions include ornamental crabapples and pears which are best pruned in early spring due to disease risk.
University of New Hampshire Extension provides resources including fact sheets on various types of plants as well as demonstrations across the state. The organization supports key industries, communities, families and natural resources throughout New Hampshire through practical education programs (official website). It collaborates with local governments as well as county, state and federal partners (official website), engaging around 6,000 volunteers annually through specialized programs (official website). Amy Loader serves as associate dean and director (official website).
Residents interested in learning more can subscribe to Granite State Gardening’s newsletter or contact UNH Extension’s Infoline for assistance with gardening questions.