We prune to keep the growth of our trees in check. We can only use these 10 foot high orchard ladders. We take the chance to remove old growth and stimulate new. Always removing any diseased wood, keeping the tree healthy.
Pruning was delayed this year due to the soaking conditions through to the end of December. Even if there was a dry day we cannot go into the orchard when the soil is soaking wet. Walking around the tree would compact the soil driving the air out of it and thereby encouraging an unhealthy environment in the soil for the tree.
We have the small peaches and nectarines and the grapes to complete.