
About this episode
Learn how to make your fruit trees produce better quality fruit with specialist fruit tree pruning!
In this special episode, Harold Thornbro, Host of The Modern Homesteading Podcast (https://redemptionpermaculture.com/category/podcast/) interviews Susan Poizner of OrchardPeople.com.
Susan is the author of the new book Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees (affiliate link).
Plus, don’t miss our Spotlight on Fruit Trees segment, where we explore Nadia Cherries with Rye Owen of Raintree Nursery in Morton, Washington!
You can also check out the previous episode when Harold interviewed Susan (Episode 96 on September 26, 2023):
-Listen to podcast
-Read transcript
-Watch on YouTube
Additional relevant resources:
-Read more articles about pruning to maintain tree health, control size, or boost productivity here.
-Podcast episode featuring John Kempf and the use of "household" ingredients may also be of interest here.
-Podcast episode featuring Linda Chalker-Scott discussing the best woodchips for mulch, and how to source here.
The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com.
Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world.
We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading.
RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN
Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments!
Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later.
Here’s how:
- Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
- Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
- Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show
- Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist
NEWSLETTER
Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond?
Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/
PREMIUM EDUCATION
Are you ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees?
Visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ for five-star rated premium fruit tree care education.
CONNECT AND GROW WITH US
We continually adapt our presence to the communities that resonate with us.
Check out the current ways to connect with us in the footer ↓
Let’s grow together!
- (00:00) - Introduction and Goals of Fruit Tree Growing
- (00:22) - The Importance of Pruning
- (02:08) - Pruning vs. Fertilizing and Spraying
- (05:10) - Winter vs. Summer Pruning
- (10:01) - Questions from the Audience: Identify the "Why" for pruning established fruit tress and stick with the strategy
- (14:49) - Natural Fertilizers and Soil Health
- (17:42) - Pruning Techniques for Different Climates
- (23:34) - Spotlight on Fruit Trees
- (25:48) - Clarifying Raised Beds for Root Rot
- (26:42) - Pruning Techniques for Old Trees
- (28:15) - When to Start Spraying Young Trees
- (30:08) - Natural Remedies for Tree Diseases
- (31:17) - Planting on Raised Mounds
- (35:18) - Using Natural Mulches
- (36:27) - Early Mistakes and Lessons in Pruning
- (41:11) - Pruning Tips for Small Urban Gardens
- (45:35) - Managing Large, Unpruned Trees
- (48:41) - Get Susan's New Book on Fruit Tree Pruning
Get every episode summarized
Each time Orchard People publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Orchard People

Classic Episode: Vertical Mulching with Dr. Glynn Percival
Orchard People

Classic Episode: Grow Fruit Trees Fast with John Cline
Orchard People

Watering and feeding fruit trees with Casey Clapp
Orchard People

How to Read a Soil Test for Fruit Trees (and What to Try Next) with Ariel Agenbr...
Orchard People