Summer Time Fruit Tree Pruning

pruning cherry treeTime to Prune Your Fruit Trees? Yes—Here’s Why

If you’ve been staring at your apricot or cherry tree wondering if it’s time for a trim—the answer is yes. Late summer to early fall is actually the perfect window to prune certain fruit trees in the Bay Area. And if you wait too long? Rainy weather can make things a lot trickier (and riskier).

Let’s break down why now’s the right time to get out your pruners.

Stop Disease Before It Startsapricot tree

Apricot and cherry trees are prone to fungal diseases, especially Eutypa dieback, which can sneak in through fresh cuts made during wet weather. By pruning now—before the rain shows up—you’re giving the tree time to heal and closing the door on future problems.

The same goes for plums, pluots, and nectarines, which are also susceptible to disease if pruned during the rainy season. Dry weather pruning is your best defense.

Boost Next Year’s Harvest

Pruning helps improve sunlight and airflow through the canopy, which leads to better fruit quality and fewer pest issues next season. Plus, thinning things out now makes for stronger, healthier growth overall.

The same goes for plums, pluots, and nectarines, which are also susceptible to disease if pruned during the rainy season. Dry weather pruning is your best defense.

Manage Size Before Things Get Out of Hand

If your fruit tree is getting a little too enthusiastic, now’s the time to rein it in. A late summer prune can help shape your tree and keep it to a manageable size—especially important if you want to avoid pulling out a ladder every harvest.

Plums, pluots, peaches, nectarines, and even persimmons can benefit from a size check this time of year. For persimmons, stick to light pruning now and save major cuts for winter when the tree is dormant.

Grab the Right Toolscenturion aluminum bypass pruner 5/8 inch

You don’t need a ton of fancy gear—just a few essentials:

  • Bypass pruners for small, clean cuts
  • Loppers for medium-sized branches
  • A pruning saw for larger limbs
  • Disinfectant spray or alcohol wipes to keep your tools clean between cuts (especially if pruning multiple trees)

We carry all of these at SummerWinds if you need to upgrade or replace anything.

Don’t Wait for the Rain

Once the rain starts, it’s best to leave your trees alone. Wet weather raises the risk of spreading disease, and pruning soggy branches isn’t much fun. Knock it out now while conditions are dry and your trees are still awake.

One Last Tip: Know Which Trees to SkipRed ripe cherries hanging from fruit tree

Not all fruit trees want a trim right now. Leave apple and pear trees alone until winter unless you’re cutting out something clearly dead or diseased.

Here’s why it’s best to wait:

  • They’re prone to fire blight, a bacterial disease that spreads more easily through pruning wounds made in warm weather.
  • Dormant pruning causes less stress, giving the tree a better chance to heal.
  • You’ll have better visibility of the tree’s structure once the leaves drop, making it easier to prune effectively.

Focus on stone fruits—like apricots, cherries, plums, pluots, peaches, and nectarines—now, and you’ll be setting them up for a strong comeback next year.

Need advice or tools? Stop by your local SummerWinds Nursery—we’re always happy to help you grow with confidence.