Getting started with pruning

Question: Dear Master Gardeners, I have a few fruit trees and some shrubs around my home that need pruning. How do I start?

Answer: First, it is important to know what kind of fruit trees you have. For instance, stone fruits are pruned differently than say a Pear. Not having this information, we would not be able to guide you in correct pruning for either your fruit trees or type of shrubs. The University of Tennessee has excellent sources to help you with this process. They have publications that include illustrations on how to prune properly. Their library is extensive on both fruit trees, fruit shrubs and ornamentals.

Here is how to find what you are looking for: First, go to https://utextension.tennessee.edu once on the website scroll down to the box Extension Publications, once on that page then type in Pruning in the search box and there are several publications to help you. There is a wealth of information on this website and be sure to check out other topics on gardening as well.

Send questions to Rheacomg@gmail.com, or write to us at Rhea County Extension Office, c/o Master Gardeners, 125 Court Street, Suite 3, Dayton TN, 37281.