If you need to, pruning can occur later in the spring and early in the summer. Avoid pruning in the fall, as new growth will be stimulated but will die off from the cold of winter. [2] X Research source
Pruning young or small trees is done to encourage a strong framework and starting shape. Pruning large or matured trees encourages larger, healthier fruit and maintains the overall shape. [5] X Research source
The angle of scaffold branches is very important. Good scaffold branches will have a 45 to 50 degree angle from the trunk. If the angle is any smaller than this, the branch will likely break off from the weight of the fruit. If the angle is any larger than this, then the tree won’t bear as much fruit. Seen from an aerial view, the scaffold branches of the tree will look similar to a star or the spokes on a wheel.
