Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant
Use sharp, clean pruning shears, loppers, and a pruning saw
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or broken branches first
Cut out crossing, rubbing, or inward-growing branches
Remove water sprouts and suckers
Thin crowded branches to improve light and air circulation
Keep the central leader or desired shape
Make cuts just outside the branch collar
Avoid leaving stubs
Do not remove more than one-third of the tree in a single season
Shorten long, vigorous shoots to encourage fruiting
Remove low branches that interfere with access or mowing
Disinfect tools between cuts if disease is present
Step back often to check the tree’s overall shape
Clean up and dispose of pruned material properly