Are you not getting fruit from your trees? There are a few common problems. If your tree has been planted in the past 3 years, it’s probably too young. The weather is another major factor. Apple trees require a certain number of “chill hours” in the winter to set flower buds and fruit in the spring. If winter is too warm, some varieties won't fruit that year. Apple trees, along with several other fruiting trees need a partner tree to cross pollinate with. If you're doing all these things and still not getting fruit, or if your tree is growing out of control - you should prune it before spring arrives!

Winter is the ideal time of the year to prune many trees. The branches are bare which makes it easier to see the overall structure of the tree. A properly shaped tree will fruit better, and it’ll be easier to pick the fruit too. Here are a few tips!

NOTE: Do not prune small branches that run along the main branch. These are “spurs.” They house the flower buds and fruit on “spur bearing” apple varieties (which is most of them!)

Note: Do not prune more than 20% of your tree in a single year. This could put it into shock. If you over prune, your tree will dedicate its energy to growing new leaves instead of fruit.