SUMMER PRUNING
Summer pruning is done in late summer (August-September) once the trees’ branches have set a “terminal bud.” This is the bud that appears at end of the main shoot
Lateral branches grow sideways from a tree’s trunk and should be pruned to 3 buds of new growth.
Remove overly vigorous and upright lateral branches as these generally do not produce fruit. Horizontal branches are better for fruiting but trimming these back will cause them to grow thicker and will be better able to support heavy fruit.
Do not prune lateral branches in winter as this causes them to branch, shading and crowding other branches, reducing the fruit quality and quantity.