Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant
Use sharp, clean pruning tools
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
Cut out crossing, rubbing, or inward-growing branches
Remove suckers growing from the base or trunk
Remove water sprouts growing straight up from branches
Keep the center open for light and air circulation
Maintain a strong framework of main scaffold branches
Cut back overly long branches to an outward-facing bud
Remove no more than one-third of the tree in a single season
Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar
Thin crowded areas to improve fruit production
Remove low branches that touch the ground
Disinfect tools between cuts if disease is present
Dispose of diseased wood properly
Prune young trees to establish shape
Prune mature trees to maintain size and productivity