Many people often neglect yearly training and pruning of their fruit trees. However, without training and pruning fruit trees do not develop good shape and form. Their yields will be lower in quantity and the fruit will be smaller and less desirable. On the other hand, properly trained and pruned trees will yield high, quality fruit much earlier in their lives and live significantly longer. Proper pruning and training equals bigger and better fruit tree production. One of the main reasons for training and pruning is to develop a strong tree framework that supports good fruit production. Incorrectly trained fruit trees usually have upright branch angles, resulting in serious limb breakage under a heavy fruit load. This decreases your tree’s lifespan and lowers fruit tree production. Another pruning practice that aids in fruit tree production is removing dead, diseased and broken limbs, giving the healthy limbs more sunlight and energy to create high yielding fruit. Proper tree pruning allows the tree canopy to open up and make best use of sunlight. Light exposure is vital for correct flower bud development and best fruit size, flavor and quality. Opening your tree’s canopy additionally helps with airflow through the tree, aiding in fast drying, prevention of disease, and optimal fruit tree production. There are other steps to take when caring for your fruit trees that help with high yields and extending the overall life of your tree. During the fall into early winter, protecting the bark and painting the trunk are two good ones. To protect the bark, place a tree guard around the trunks of any young fruit trees you have. This will help in overall fruit tree production by keeping your tree healthy at a young age. Painting the trunk is a good idea if your area gets snow cover. Paint the trunk and lowest branches at crotch angles with white latex paint mixed 50-50 with water.