tree pruning

Are You Over-Fertilizing Your Fruit Trees?

May 29, 2026 by Daniel Chamberlain

By Dan Chamerlain of Advantage Tree Care

Here’s something most home growers don’t realize: more fertilizer doesn’t mean more fruit. In fact, over-fertilizing is one of the most common mistakes people make with fruit trees, and the results can set you back years, not just one season.

What actually happens when you over-fertilize

The main thing you’ll notice is a ton of leafy growth and almost no fruit. The tree basically thinks “great, lots of nitrogen, time to grow!” and puts all its energy into shoots and leaves instead of flowering. Too much fertilizer can also burn the roots, which shows up as brown crispy leaf edges and a stressed-looking tree.

Worst case, you can actually kill a young tree this way. A mature one can take two or three years to fully recover. And on top of that, all that soft lush growth acts like a welcome mat for pests; aphids love it, and diseases like fire blight spread fast through over-fed trees.

Hand-pruners-being-used-to-prune-fruit-tree — Epicormic growth pruning of fruit tree

How do you know if your tree actually needs fertilizer?

Before you do anything, get a soil test. They’re cheap, most garden centers carry them, and they tell you exactly what’s missing instead of guessing. Without one, you might be adding nitrogen to soil that already has plenty.

If you skip the test, just watch the tree instead. A mature fruiting tree should be putting out roughly 8 to 15 inches of new shoot growth per season depending on the variety. Less than that and it might need a feed. More than that and it definitely doesn’t.

When is the right time to fertilize?

Spring, just as things are waking up. Maybe once more in early summer if the tree still looks like it needs it. That’s basically it.

Fertilizing in late summer is one of the most common mistakes people make. It pushes out a bunch of soft new growth right before winter, that growth doesn’t have time to harden off, and then it gets wrecked by frost. Spring is the window. Stay in it.

Apple blossom on a fruit tree in victoia — Fruit tree pruning in Victoria can enhance the productivity of yout fruit trees

The other big mistake: fertilizing on autopilot

A lot of people just fertilize every year because it feels like the responsible thing to do. But a tree that’s already growing vigorously and fruiting well often doesn’t need anything at all. Put the bag down and just watch what the tree is doing first.

The real sign you might need to fertilize is short, weak new growth, like under 6 inches of new shoots in a season is a flag. Healthy new growth, good fruit set, dark green leaves? Leave it alone.

The bottom line on fertilizing

Fruit trees aren’t like lawns. They don’t reward you for feeding them constantly. The best growers we know treat fertilizer as a tool for a specific problem, not a yearly ritual. Get a soil test, watch your shoot growth, and fertilize early in the season if the tree is asking for it.

When in doubt, do less. Your fruit will thank you.

Have questions about your trees? Advantage Tree Care are experts at fruit tree care and pruning. Just reach out, we’ve here to help.

Is DIY tree pruning a good idea?

July 19, 2024 by Daniel Chamberlain

Daniel Chamberlain

Daniel Chamberlain is ISA certified Arborist and founded Advantage Tree Care in 2008. Dan has over 20 years of experience in the Tree Service industry, from his beginnings in New Zealand where he had previously been working as an arborist, holding the journeyman arborist qualification. As a well respected arborist in the industry, Daniel’s hard work ethic and welcoming attitude has made ATC a successful tree care company as well as a safe and fun place to work. View ISA Certified Arborist profile

“I’m thinking about pruning a few branches from my oak tree. I plan to watch some DIY tree pruning videos YouTube and then give it a go. Is this a good idea? Is this risky?

If you’re pretty handy on the tools, sure why not!

DIY tree pruning can be suitable for specific situations. Many homeowners in the Victoria area will choose to prune trees and shrubs around their yards, but it comes with its own challenges and risks.

When your trees are slight, manageable and you’re dealing with smaller limbs, that makes it easy to grab the shears and get to work.

But it’s when you’re dealing with bigger trees and wildly canopies, that the complexity and danger increases. Leaning, stretching, use of very old wobbly ladders, and general inexperience in those tricky scenarios too. Also some specific tree species require particular care, so unless you know about it, you might make a mistake when pruning.

Above all, safety for yourself and your property should be the main consideration when deciding whether to prune yourself, and especially if you’re dealing big trees and heavy limbs.

First, what is the purpose of Pruning?

Tree pruning has many advantages, the core reasons being to promote the general health of the tree and to reduce hazards.

Before you make any cuts, you should have a clear purpose. Are you pruning for aesthetics, to remove diseased or damaged branches, to improve the tree’s structure, or to clear away hazards? Identifying the reason will dictate how you should prune.

While you can certainly prune your trees yourself, it’s essential to weigh the risks, including potential damage to your property, injury to yourself, and long-term harm to your trees from improper pruning. Safety should be your No1 concern when aiming to tackle a heavy branches up high up in the canopy.
Dan

Pros of Tree Pruning

Cost Savings – Some people cannot afford a professional arborist. By pruning your trees yourself, is an easy way to save money over hiring a pro. For instance, even trimming a small ornamental tree can save you hundreds of dollars.
Convenience – You can prune your trees at your own pace and according to your schedule. This is particularly handy if you have a busy lifestyle or if you prefer to work on your garden during weekends.
Learning Opportunity – Pruning your trees allows you to learn more about tree care and maintenance. Over time, you’ll become more skilled and confident, which can be a rewarding experience.

Related: Check out this other post with some more tree care maintenance tips for homeowners.

What happens when it goes wrong

It can go wrong for sure. And that’s why a professional will always be the safer, more efficient option. There is no doubt about that.

We had a recent callout to a client in Oak Bay, Victoria who was self-pruning for years. Beautiful yard with towering Cedar, Douglas firs, and a couple of Garry Oaks in there too. For the most part they did an awesome job. But then, a few really inappropriate cuts of the leading limbs in the wrong place led to a distortion and overall structural imbalance.

We could tell there was excessive pruning. They had removed too much foliage each season, which stressed the trees and reduced their ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. As well as that the tree had general structural weakness. Key structural branches had been removed, causing the trees to develop weak points and an uneven canopy. This imbalance increased the risk of branches breaking during storms.

poorly pruned tree example — *This is not a real image but we just want to demonstrate a point*

The Issues with DIY Pruning

We are often called in to deal with trees that have been pruned heavily, and incorrectly, and we’re tasked with trying to bring the tree back to life. Sometimes we are able to get that tree patched up and to thrive again. And other times, the damage is too severe and we are just doing some end of life management instead.

We’ve inspected 1000s of trees over the years and we see the same common pruning mistakes. These are probably the top 5 issues following inappropriate pruning.

Topping
- Topping is cutting back large branches to stubs or lateral branches not large enough to assume the terminal role.
- Impact: This practice can lead to weakly attached branches, increased risk of decay, and a poor tree structure.
Over-Pruning
- The rule of thumb is that you should not remove more than 25% of a tree’s foliage at once.
- Impact: This can stress the tree, reduce its energy production, and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Flush Cuts
- This is when you cut branches flush with the trunk or main stem, removing the branch collar.
- Impact: This removes the tree’s natural defence zone, leading to slower healing and increased risk of infection.
Lion’s Tailing
- Lion’s tailing is removing an excessive number of inner branches, leaving foliage only at the ends of branches (makes the tree’s limbs look like a lion’s tail)
- Impact: This creates an unbalanced tree structure, increases the risk of branch failure, and can cause sunscald.
Improper Tool Use
- Using dull or inappropriate tools can also lead to unnecessary harm for the tree.
- Impact: This can cause ragged cuts that take longer to heal and increase the risk of disease.

ATC’s 4 Rules for Successful DIY Pruning

We asked our senior arborists for some ideas to share with you guys, to help you understand if DIY pruning is the right way to go.

#1 Understand the Basics

Collar and Branch Bark Ridge

When pruning, you should be familiar with the ‘branch collar’ and the ‘branch bark ridge.’ These are natural protective zones on the tree. Always avoid cutting into them to ensure optimal wound closure or compartmentalization of dead tissue. You might hear an arborist say.. ”trees don’t heal, they seal!”

Heading vs Thinning

Also known as Branch Reduction vs. Branch Removal. Reductions involve cutting a branch back to a smaller branch, which should be at least one-third the diameter of the branch being reduced. This is done to redirect growth, manage weight on the end of a branch, or to achieve specific clearance objectives. Branch removal, on the other hand, entails completely removing the branch, typically at its point of attachment. Both techniques can be used to achieve similar objectives or purposes in pruning, but they avoid making larger cuts. For this reason, reductions are generally preferred.

Source: Illustration of Reasons to Prune Trees (red branches are to be removed) Credit: Don Wittig, former UME Master Gardener

#2 Tools of the Trade

Ensure that your tools are sharp, clean, and in good working condition before starting the pruning process. Here’s a list of essential tree pruning tools:

Pruning Shears: Ideal for small branches and twigs.
Lopping Shears: Designed for thicker branches, providing more leverage.
Pruning Saw: Suitable for branches too thick for shears.
Pole Pruner: For higher branches, offers extended reach

#3 Safety First

There’s a bit of Rocky is all of us, that sheer determination to get it done! Just make sure you prune in a safe manner.

Always prioritize safety by using proper gear, ensuring stable footing, and avoiding work near power lines. If a branch is high up, over a structure, near a power line, or if it requires the use of a ladder, it’s best to call a professional. These scenarios carry additional risk and should be avoided where possible.

#4 Prune at the Right Time

Pruning trees at the right time is crucial for their health and growth. Generally, late winter to early spring is ideal for most trees because they are still dormant, which minimizes stress and the risk of disease. For instance, pruning apple trees in early spring helps prevent the spread of diseases like fire blight, while maple trees benefit from being pruned before the sap starts flowing.

Deciduous trees are best pruned during dormancy, as this reduces the risk of disease and stress. However, there are exceptions; for example, oaks should be pruned in the coldest months to prevent oak wilt. Young trees should be pruned at the end of summer to shape their structural development, minimizing new growth in response to pruning cuts.

Summer pruning is also acceptable, as trees are resilient and have already used much of their energy for spring growth. This reduces the risk of excessive sap loss or “bleeding.” For example, light pruning of fruit trees in summer can help manage growth and improve fruit quality without stressing the tree.

#5 Learn how to make proper cuts

Here is a great illustration of what a good pruning cut looks like.

What’s the verdict on DIY pruning?

If you’re handy and got the gusto for it, then go for it.

Many homeowners prune their trees and shrubs as part of ongoing maintenance in their yard. The sheer size of your trees is the biggest factor, so don’t try take on the big guys without some support.

Play it safe, don’t be a hero. Call for help if you need it. 🙂

Good luck!

When to hire a professional for your pruning needs?

For small trees or shrubs and straightforward tasks, DIY pruning can be feasible if you educate yourself and use the right tools. However, for larger trees, complicated situations, or if you’re unsure, it’s always best to hire a Certified Arborist. The Advantage Tree Care team is trained to recognize hazards, diseases, and structural issues, and we have the equipment and expertise to handle the job safely and effectively.

Remember, a poorly pruned tree can take years to recover, and mistakes can sometimes be irreversible. Trees are a long-term investment in our environment and property. Whether you choose to prune yourself or hire a professional, always prioritize the health and safety of the tree and its surroundings.

Get information about our tree pruning services here.

Having your trees pruned by an Arborist – what can you expect?

When you have your tree pruned by a certified arborist you benefit on multiple levels, most importantly;

Tree health is maintained
On-going maintenance costs are reduced
The tree’s natural shape and aesthetics are preserved
And, we’ve got all the right safety gear 🙂

At Advantage Tree Care, we pride ourselves in the highest quality craftsmanship when it comes to pruning trees and tree care. Get in touch and tell us about your tree pruning needs.

Daniel Chamberlain

It’s Tree Pruning Season: Here are 5 Things You Need to Know

December 20, 2023 by Daniel Chamberlain

Tree pruning is essential for the health, beauty, and safety of your trees. As tree pruning season approaches, it’s crucial to understand the best practices to ensure the longevity and vitality of your trees. Here are five essential things you need to know about getting your trees in prime condition for the upcoming season.

Why Do We Bother Tree Pruning?

Tree pruning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a vital part of tree health and maintenance. Proper pruning can help in many ways including:

Encourages healthy growth and structure.
Reduces risks posed by falling branches.
Helps in disease prevention by removing affected limbs.
Improves airflow through the tree canopy
Enhances the overall appearance of the tree.

Pruning is also a great alternative to tree removal. Often homeowners think removing a tree is the only course of action, where in fact we can use some creative pruning strategies to save the tree and give the homeowner what they want at the same time (more light, less risk)

Understanding the benefits of pruning can motivate tree owners to take this process seriously and invest in it regularly. We’ve already talked about the main advantages of pruning trees in a previous post, which is worth a read if you’re looking to learn more about pruning.

Best Time to Prune

While you might think tree pruning can be done at any time of the year, timing matters. The late winter to early spring period is often ideal because:

Trees are dormant, and therefore don’t “bleed water and nutrients” when cut reducing the risk of pest attraction.
Wounds from cuts heal faster as the growing season starts, limiting disease exposure.
There are fewer pests and diseases present at this time of year
OR less leaves on the tree reduces the amount of weight arborists need to handle

However, it is ok to prune in summer at the height of the growing season the trees are resilient and have used their energy for spring growth so there’s less chance of them “bleeding”. Emergency pruning due to damage or safety concerns can be done regardless of the season. It is also worth noting that some fruit tree pruning occurs at specific times of year.

Tools of the Trade

If you’re planning for some DIY tree pruning this spring, using the right tools is crucial for efficient and safe pruning. Here’s a list of essential tree pruning tools:

Pruning Shears: Ideal for small branches and twigs.
Lopping Shears: Designed for thicker branches, providing more leverage.
Pruning Saw: Suitable for branches too thick for shears.
Pole Pruner: For higher branches, offers extended reach

Ensure that your tools are sharp, clean, and in good working condition before starting the pruning process.

Techniques for Effective Pruning

To make the most out of your pruning efforts, keep in mind the following techniques:

Thinning Out: Removing Branches to open up the tree and let light and air filter throughout.
Raising: Removing lower branches to make way for pedestrians or vehicles.
Reduction: Reducing the height or spread of a tree for clearance.

By mastering these techniques, you can ensure that your trees are not just pruned, but pruned effectively for their long-term health and beauty.

Ensuring Safety When Pruning

Tree pruning, especially for tall trees, can be risky. Here’s how to ensure safety during the process:

Always wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats.
Avoid pruning near power lines.
Never prune in adverse weather conditions.
If you need to use a ladder then likely the tree is too tall. You should consider hiring a professional tree service company who has the correct gear to safely access the tree.

The Verdict on Pruning?

Tree pruning is both an art and a science. When done correctly, it ensures that trees remain healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. As tree pruning season approaches, remember the importance of timing, the right tools, effective techniques, and safety. Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to give your trees the care they deserve.

Liked this post and looking for more tree care tips?

Check out our other post 5 tree care tips for homeowners.

Need assistance?

If you’re in need of help with pruning, tree removals, or tree health assessments in the Greater Victoria area, go check out ATC’s tree services, or give us a call if you’ve got any questions.