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Feb. 11, 2025Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MU Extension Office offers tips on winter tree pruning

winter trees

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The best time to prune fruit trees in Missouri is midwinter, according to University of Missouri Extension Office.

Pruning before spring bud break helps maintain tree health, improve productivity, and manage pests and disease. Officials say understanding a tree’s rootstock and growth pattern is key.

Most fruit trees are grafted to combine strong roots with high-quality fruit production. Officials note that apples grow on one-year-old wood, while peaches bear fruit on new growth.

Proper pruning allows sunlight to penetrate, aiding photosynthesis and fruit ripening. For neglected trees, officials advise pruning no more than one-third of the branches per year to restore growth gradually.

Officials also recommend using sharp, clean tools and disinfecting them after each tree to prevent disease spread. For more information, visit the MU Extension website.