A Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning and Shaping Young Tropical Fruit Trees

Abstract

Early formative pruning of tropical and subtropical fruit trees is important not only for ease of future size control, but to simplify maintenance and maximize productivity. Key steps involve developing trees with a canopy that is fairly low to the ground and comprised of three to four well placed co-dominant leaders. Secondary and tertiary lateral branching should be encouraged to increase the fruit bearing potential of the tree. Tropical fruit trees differ in growth habits and this must be taken into account as to when and how a particular species or cultivar is pruned.