Construction, standards and environment
maintenance pruning
In short and in plain language
Maintenance pruning is the pruning of a tree that already has a good shape.
It keeps the crown open and strong.
On fruit trees it helps them flower and bear fruit.
Definition
Maintenance pruning is the regular pruning of a tree whose crown is already well structured. It keeps the crown open and stable and, on fruit trees, encourages flowering and fruit set. It follows formative pruning.