| I have a mango tree which is about 5-6 years old. It has bloomed for about 2 years now and the fruit last year got almost to half the size of hulled almonds before they dropped. Should I be pruning this tree for production, or any other reason? I pruned the frost damage out of it last year and it has filled in on the top very nicely. It is about 7-8 feet tall. So my question is about pruning needs for this tree also, is there anything I should do to help it hold its fruit, or just wait til it is ready? Thank you |
| Mango trees are generally not pruned but you can cut out any unproductive branches and shorten the length of the branches during the winter months if you want to contain the size of the tree. Mangoes need a frost-free environment in order to produce, and a long growing season. It takes 100 to 150 days for the fruits to ripen and the flowers can be damaged at temperatures of 40F or below. You didn't provide your city or zip code so I don't know if you're on the borderline for growing mangoes or if you've just had a year or two of unseasonably cold weather. If you typically have a long, hot growing season, the immature fruits you describe can be the result of poor watering practices or immaturity of the tree. Mangoes seem to grow and produce best when they are given very little water and no fertilizer at all. Aside from the above, let's hope your weather remains warm for at least 5 months of the year. Best wishes with your tree! |
