Grayish or crinkled branches: These branches are dead or diseased. If more than half of the tree’s branches appear like this, then the tree is not worth saving. Damaged or peeling bark: This is a sign that the nutrients aren’t making their way into the trunk, leaving it weak. New growth at the ends of the branches: This is a sign that the tree is alive. If you don’t see signs of new growth, the tree is past saving.

If you have a lot of trees to prune, consider investing in a pole pruner. It is a pair of clippers mounted on a pole.

If the tools are dirty, prepare a solution made from 9 parts water and 1 part bleach. Clean the tools with the solution and some steel wool. Sharpen your tools using the appropriate tools or take them to a hardware store or a blacksmith.

A good way to test the weight is to step on the first rung of the ladder or lean your weight against it. If you hear creaking, the tree is not stable. If your tree is short enough for you to reach the upper branches, then you do not need a ladder.

If the branch is too thick, cut it halfway through from the underside, then cut it the rest of the way through from the top. Make your cuts perpendicular to the ground. If they angle upward, they will collect water and rot. [1] X Research source

Don’t cut branches thicker than 8 inches (20 cm). Think twice before cutting that third limb. If it looks healthy, strong, and is not getting in the way, it would be best to leave it.

If the tree is overgrown, leave 20 to 24 in (51 to 61 cm) gaps between the tips of the branches. If the tree is stunted, leave 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) gaps instead.

If you need to, spread the pruning out over 2 to 3 years.

If you aren’t sure how to treat these, ask for advice at your local nursery.

If you can’t get this type of fertilizer, get a fertilizer made specifically for old fruit trees. If you wish to use organic fertilizer, for something that contains any of the following ingredients: blood meal, composted chicken manure, cottonseed meal, feather meal, or soybean meal.

The drip line is the span of the tree’s branches. If it were to rain, the water would drip down from the tips of these branches.

Do not get water within 12 inches (30 cm) of the trunk, or you could end up with rot.

This will redirect the shoots growing lower on the tree. It also allows sunlight to penetrate lower into the canopy.