Pruning equipment consists of high quality pruners and loppers. Gloved hands may be used to strip flower buds off young plants and to break twigs. Disinfect loppers and pruners between bushes by using a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water or shellac thinner. The bleach solution may cause pruners to rust quickly. Some growers use hydraulic or pneumatic pruners to increase speed.
Strip blossoms off young plants the first year or two in the field.
Permitting young plants to set fruit slows growth. Long-run production will be best if, during the first 2 years after planting, plant top and root growth, rather than berry production, is emphasized. In subsequent years, while plants are still immature, prune lightly. Remove injured, weak, or diseased wood, and any twisted or low-growing canes, to promote new growth. If more than two new canes were produced the previous year, remove all but the two healthiest at crown level.