Numerous experiments show that pruning is a dwarfing process, that is, it reduces the total size of the tree. Leaves are the food-manufacturing organs of the tree. Cutting away a live branch, which if left would have borne leaves, reduces the output of the "factory", and the final result is a reduced bearing area. Summer pruning has the greatest dwarfing effect.
Fruit Trees
Pembina Plum
Height: 15-20'tall x 16'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 15-20'
Pruning: Prune to control shape and direct branching. Remove damaged limbs as needed.
Ripens: Mid to late August
Uses: Good eating fresh, cooking or canning.
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Early spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: Dark reddish blue fruit with sweet, juicy, yellow flesh. Excellent flavor for eating fresh, cooking or canning. Requires another variety to pollinate.
Trail Crabapple
Height: 20-25'tall x 15-20'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 12-15'
Pruning: Prune in late spring, after flowering to direct growth if desired. Remove suckers as needed.
Ripens: Late September
Uses: Eating very good; good for cooking or canning. Stores very well.
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Early spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: Showy white blooms followed by medium-sized pale yellow fruit with a red overlay. Fruit is crisp, juicy, and sweet. Excellent for eating and canning.
Norland Apple
Height: 15-20'tall x 10-12'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 12-15'
Pruning: Prune to direct growth and open center for air circulation.
Ripens: Mid to late August
Uses: Good eating fresh, cooking or canning. Stores well.
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Early spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: Very hardy semi-dwarf tree with greenish-yellow fruit with red stripes. Juicy cream colored flesh has good flavor for eating fresh or cooking. A dependable fruit producer year to year.
Kerr Crabapple
Height: 20-25'tall x 15-20'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 12-15'
Pruning: Prune if needed to direct growth or remove damaged limbs.
Ripens: Mid to late August
Uses: Eating fair; good for cooking or canning. Stores well.
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Early spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: Showy pinkish-white flowers along branches in spring followed by large ruby red fruit. A light frost in fall enhances flavor.
Goodland Apple
Height: 20-25'tall x 15'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 12-15'
Pruning: Prune to direct growth and open air circulation
Ripens: Early September
Uses: Excellent for eating fresh or sauce. Stores well
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Early spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: Masses of showy white blooms followed by large yellow-red fruit with white, sweet, juicy flesh. Does best in sheltered location.
Goodmac Apple
Height: 20'tall x 15'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 12-15'
Pruning: Prune early spring to direct growth and open center for air circulation.
Ripens: Mid to late August
Uses: Ideal for eating fresh, cooking or canning. Stores well
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: White spring blooms give way to medium-sized apple, green with red stripes with juicy white flesh.
Fall Red Apple
Height: 20-25'tall x 15'wide.
Zone 3
Spacing: 12-15'
Pruning: Prune to direct growth and open air circulation.
Ripens: Mid September
Uses: Good for eating fresh, cooking or canning.
Exposure: Full sun
Flowering time: Early spring
Watering: Keep soil moist until well established. Water regularly through growing season.
Description: Large red apple with high quality flesh. Spectacular white blossoms in spring. Very hardy productive tree.