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Pruning Fruit Trees 2026 Warm Winter #924585

Asked February 14, 2026, 10:57 AM EST

Given our weird weather I was planning to start pruning our apple, Asian pear, cherry and plum trees later this February or early March. Is that safe to do given our unpredictable spring temperatures and weather? Thanks

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Paul, 

Waiting until early to mid-March is our recommendation for this region.  Pruning can stimulate the trees to push out a flush of new growth which then can be subject to cold injury.

Here is a link for more information on tree and shrub pruning for central Oregon:  Pruning Basics for Trees and Shrubs - YouTube

Let me know if you have further questions!

Lisa

Lisa Cowan

Outreach Program Coordinator – Community Horticulture Program

Oregon State University

OSU Extension Service – Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson Counties

3800 SW Airport Way, Bldg #4

Redmond, OR 97756

Tel.:<personal data hidden> (direct line) I<personal data hidden> (x79590 - main line)

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An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 16, 2026, 7:40 PM EST
Thanks! Most helpful.

Paul Claeyssens
Bend, Oregon
  USA
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On Mon, Feb 16, 2026 at 4:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied February 17, 2026, 1:50 PM EST

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