Einhell expert: Tips for pruning fruit trees in autumn

In autumn, amateur gardeners once again have quite a lot to do because only those who properly care for their fruit trees, whether they are apple, pear or quince trees, can look forward to a plentiful harvest the following year. Depending on the type of tree, there are some important things to bear in mind when pruning trees: from choosing the right time to using the proper technique and appropriate tools. Patrick Pflegler, Garden Category Manager at Einhell Germany AG, the leading supplier of cordless garden equipment and tools, knows what matters most.

The key to healthy growth and an abundant harvest

Every amateur gardener knows: Pruning fruit trees regularly is essential for tree health and yield. It improves air circulation and allows more sunlight to reach the fruit, reducing the risk of disease and boosting fruit quality. “For a fruit tree to produce large, juicy fruit, it must supply plenty of nutrients through the branches. But since each tree grows more shoots and branches than it needs, amateur gardeners must lend a hand,” says Einhell garden expert Patrick Pflegler, adding, “Limbs that thwart or hinder growth must be removed carefully so that nutrients and energy can flow into the fruit-bearing shoots. Thus, a well-kept fruit tree will stay energetic and fruitful for a long time.”

The right time to prune

“The right time to prune each fruit tree depends on its variety, age and other factors,” says Pflegler. “As a general rule to follow, from early March to late September, it is not allowed to heavily cut back or chop down trees in Germany. Required maintenance like gentle shaping and trimming, on the other hand, is allowed as long as it does not pose a danger to animals.”

The best time for autumn fruit tree pruning is from early October until winter sets in, depending on the type of tree and weather conditions. It is important to do the pruning before the temperatures drop drastically and frost forms.

Pome fruit trees like apple, pear and quince trees benefit from light pruning in the fall to remove dead or diseased branches. Winter pruning between January and March, however, is more suitable if the aim is heavy pruning to encourage growth. Stone fruit varieties like cherries, plums and apricots should be cut back preferably in late summer or directly after the harvest, to prevent disease. Autumn is less suitable because the damp weather and cuts increase the risk of infection. One exception is the peach tree, which should be pruned when it sprouts in spring.

Preparation and proper pruning technique

Preparation is everything, so bear a few things in mind in advance: It is essential to have the right tools for pruning trees, a ladder and appropriate protective equipment. “Before you grab the shears or saw, choose a dry, frost-free day for pruning. Use only tools that are sharp and clean, since blunt, dirty blades can not only do harm but can also lead to disease for the tree,” says Einhell garden expert Patrick Pflegler. To avoid the spread of disease or fungal infection, it is advisable to disinfect your tools when going from one tree to the next.

The right technique for fruit tree pruning is crucial in enabling the cut surface to heal properly and new shoots to grow perfectly. Before pruning, each tree should be examined individually. Water shoots, i.e. vigorous upright shoots, must be completely removed from the trunk and limbs because they consume a lot of nutrients but do not bear fruit. Branches that grow inwards interfere with air circulation, constrict the growth of other branches and also the formation of buds, so they must also be removed. Criss-crossing branches that can hinder each other’s growth and lead to damage from rubbing should be pruned as well. Diseased or damaged branches, like those affected by fungal infection, discoloration or dead bark, must be removed so as to protect the tree’s health. Branches hanging at a steep angle should be checked to see whether they are already broken or weakened and can no longer bear the weight of heavy fruit. Shoots that are one or more years old can be shortened, depending on the reason for pruning, in order to encourage fruit formation or improve the shape of the tree.

Cuts should be arranged so that the uppermost bud faces outward, thus guiding the new growth in the desired direction. “Large branches are to be pruned in several steps to avoid accidentally breaking the branch or damaging the bark,” says Einhell garden expert Patrick Pflegler. “To avoid problems like mold or rotting, it is important to cut near the collar but without damaging it, so as not to result in deadwood or the creation of new crotches.” To prevent water from entering the cut surface and to encourage growth, smaller branches should be cut at a 45-degree angle. This protects the cut from moisture better. In the end, the treetop should not be too thick. Only with proper ventilation do fruit-bearing branches have enough room and light to ripen large, juicy fruit.

The best pruning tools

The garden expert recommends the following particularly handy and durable pruning tools for pruning fruit trees:

Cordless Branch Shears
The handy GE-LS 18 Li Cordless Branch Shears are perfect for thinner branches up to 2.8 centimeters thick. Assisted by the battery, the sharp bypass blades effectively cut through the branch without crushing it. This makes it possible to prune even near the collar.

Cordless Tree Pruning Saw
The compact Einhell GE-GS 18/150 Li Cordless Tree Pruning Saw effortlessly cuts through up to ten-centimeter thick limbs on trees and shrubs (up to eight centimeters with branch jaw clamp). With its branch jaw clamp, this saw is perfect for use, even one-handed, because it ensures a better grip on the branch and prevents slipping.

Cordless Branch Chainsaw
The GE-PS 18/15 Li BL Cordless Branch Chainsaw from Einhell is perfect for trimming and shaping trees and shrubs. With a cutting length of 12.5 centimeters, it is ideally suited for flexible tasks in the garden, cutting through limbs with little vibration thanks to its highly efficient brushless motor.

One-Handed Cordless Chainsaw
The FORTEXXA 18/20 TH One-Handed Cordless Chainsaw from Einhell is specially designed for tree maintenance work on thicker limbs. However, it can only be used by trained tree care personnel. Use without training could lead to serious injuries.

About Einhell Germany AG

Einhell is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art tools and devices for the house and garden and will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. From its headquarters in Landau/Isar (Bavaria), the internationally successful company has continuously expanded its innovative rechargeable battery platform Power X-Change and is now the market leader in the area of cordless tools and garden devices. For many years Einhell has set new standards in terms of endurance, performance, and safety. Einhell customers appreciate the freedom of cordless operation for all their DIY projects, as well as the excellent value for money that Einhell products represent and the first-class customer service offered by the company.