The canes that produced last year should be removed anytime after harvest, or remove them now. Canes are productive only one year and the new growth will produce the next year's harvest. The exception are everbearing raspberries such as 'Heritage' which produce a second crop in the spring on the canes that produced last fall. Fruit Trees Peaches and apples especially require annual pruning to remain productive. If left unpruned, fruit production tends to be limited to the top and outer portions of the tree and every other year.
Harvesting becomes a real chore left to the giants of the family.
Peaches are pruned just before bloom and during bloom. Apples should be pruned now before the buds show green tips. Remove any dead, diseased or broken branches. Sterilize tools with alcohol or bleach after each cut. Branches should not grow into each other or rub.