When and How Should Seattle Homeowners Prune Fruit Trees for Maximum Harvest?

A bountiful home orchard—apples in Ballard, cherries in Queen Anne, pears in Laurelurst—starts with the right pruning schedule and technique. 

The best time to prune most fruit trees in the Seattle area is late winter to early spring (February to early March) while trees are dormant. Professional landscapers assess each tree—removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, thinning to allow sunlight, and shaping for structural strength. Summer pruning may be used to control size. 

Correct tools are critical: sharp bypass pruners, loppers, and pruning saws prevent tearing, which can spread disease. Pros understand the differing needs of apples, pears, cherries, plums, and figs: open center for stone fruits, central leader for apples and pears, and appropriate thinning for airflow. 

Professional fruit tree pruning maximizes fruit quality, prevents pest and disease issues, and keeps trees more manageable and attractive for years.