As autumn approaches, many orchard owners are eager to prepare their fruit trees for the winter season. Armed with pruning shears, they embark on the task of pruning, but it's crucial to know which trees to save and which ones to prune without fear to avoid disastrous consequences.

Late summer or early fall pruning can benefit several fruit trees, as it helps them prepare for winter and stimulates fruit production for the following year. In September, peach trees thrive on pruning, as it encourages the growth of new shoots that will bear fruit in the upcoming season. Apricot trees also appreciate the September pruning practice, which helps ventilate the center of the tree and remove poorly placed branches.

Apple and pear trees can be pruned in September, although some prefer to wait until winter. These trees can also benefit from shaping and maintenance at this time to optimize their growth and yield potential.

With all the different fruit trees demanding attention, it may be tempting to conduct a major clean-up and prune all the trees at once. However, it is crucial to avoid making a severe mistake when it comes to one particular tree in September.

Among the various fruit trees in orchards, the cherry tree stands out for the exceptional beauty of its spring blooms and its sweet, juicy fruits. But when it comes to pruning, the cherry tree should definitely not be pruned in September. This is due to several crucial reasons.

Unlike many other fruit trees, the cherry tree is highly susceptible to injury during late summer and early fall. Pruning wounds take longer to heal during this period, creating an entry point for pathogenic fungi, including the dreaded lead disease. Pruning in September also stimulates growth when the tree should be preparing for winter, making it more vulnerable to frost.

Additionally, the cherry tree needs all its leaves during autumn to build up nutrient reserves for the winter and the following spring. Pruning in September disrupts this process and may lead to a weakened tree and compromised future harvests, as it can interfere with the formation of flower buds for the upcoming year.

So, when is the best time to prune a cherry tree? Ideally, pruning should be done right after the fruit harvest, typically in July or early August. During this time, dead, diseased, or misplaced branches can be removed, and the central portion of the tree can be thinned out to allow better light penetration. It is also recommended to slightly shorten any excessively long branches.

In case the pruning window was missed, it is advisable to wait until the end of winter, just before the buds burst, to carry out light pruning on the cherry tree.

In summary, to guide orchard owners, here is a concise guide on which fruit trees to prune or not to prune in September:

- Prune in September: Peach trees, apricot trees, apple trees, and pear trees.
- Do not prune in September: Cherry trees.

Remember, proper pruning practices at the right time will ensure healthy and fruitful trees, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.