Prune in late winter or very early spring while the tree is dormant
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches first
Cut out upright water sprouts and suckers from the base
Open the center of the tree to create an open vase shape
Keep 3 to 5 strong main scaffold branches
Remove branches growing inward toward the center
Remove branches that rub or crowd each other
Shorten long fruiting shoots to encourage new growth
Cut back last year’s growth by about one-third
Make cuts just above an outward-facing bud
Use clean, sharp pruning tools
Disinfect tools between cuts if disease is present
Remove low branches that touch the ground
Thin out excess fruiting wood to improve sunlight and airflow
Do not remove more than about one-third of the tree in one season
Remove any branches with cankers or signs of pest damage
Dispose of diseased wood properly
Prune annually to maintain shape and productivity