Fruit tree pruning is the cutting and removing of parts of a fruit tree. It covers a number of
horticultural techniques that control growth, remove dead or diseased
wood, and stimulate the formation of
flowers and
fruit buds. Pruning often means cutting
branches back, sometimes removing smaller limbs entirely. It may also mean removal of young
shoots, buds,
leaves, etc. Careful attention to pruning and training young trees affects their later productivity and longevity. Good pruning and training can also prevent later injury from weak
crotches or forks (where a tree trunk splits into two or more branches) that break from the weight of fruit, snow, or ice on the branches.