Pruning backyard raspberries in 1, 2, 3!

Pruning backyard raspberries is a lot easier than you may think. All you need is a good pair of pruning sheers. So, let’s get started!

Raspberries are this magical fruit that grow right in your backyard. I have summer-bearing raspberries. For instruction on pruning fall-bearing raspberries, click here. So instead of paying an arm or a leg at the grocery store for them, let’s start pruning your raspberries!

#1: Cut all the dead canes

Every year, some of your raspberry canes will die over the winter. Using a good pair of pruning sheers, cut the canes at the very base, right next to the ground. The dead canes should be easy to spot. Once those are cleared out, it will be easier to see what else needs to be pruned.

#2: Leave 3-5 canes per foot

Next, you’re going to cut even more canes. You want to be left with three to five healthy, strong canes per linear foot. It might not see like very many are left, but these raspberries need room to grow. Make sure you leave canes that are at least 1/4 inch thick.

#3: Trim the remaining canes

Most of the canes will have probably grown up to six or seven feet tall. You’ll want to prune the tops of the remaining canes until they are only about three feet tall. That way your raspberry canes won’t get too tall before it’s time to harvest. Make sure you trim right above the bud.