Fruit Tree Pruning with Susan Poizner

In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw speaks with author Susan Poizner about her latest book, Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees. 

About Susan Poizner

Susan Poizner is an award-winning author, journalist, urban orchardist, and fruit tree care educator based in Toronto, Canada. She trains arborists, master gardeners, and community and home orchardists in fruit tree maintenance through in-person workshops, online courses, and webinars. Her books include Grow Fruit Trees Fast, Growing Urban Orchards, Fruit Tree Grafting for Everyone and Fruit Tree Pruning.

Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode:

Fruit Tree Pruning and Care

• Pruning techniques for both mature and newly planted fruit trees
• How to approach neglected trees
• Susan mentions her previous book on fruit tree grafting and discusses whether homeowners should be encouraged to plant fruit trees, given the maintenance involved.
• Planting a fruit tree is a long-term commitment
• Avoid impulse purchases at garden centres
• Research disease-resistant varieties suitable for your climate and order from specialist fruit tree nurseries
• Start with younger, bare-root trees that can be shaped through pruning rather than older potted trees
• The importance of proper site selection, ensuring full sun and space for root growth
• Susan recommends annual mulching with compost to nourish the tree and advises against planting other plants directly under the tree
• Pruning timing: wait a year for transplanted potted trees, but prune bare-root trees immediately upon planting in spring