If you live in a relatively cooler climate, you may want to plant the tree in a more sheltered spot, such as next to a wall, to protect it from strong winds and frost. Just make sure it will still get full sun.
After its second year, your quince tree should be strong enough to bear fruit. Allow the fruit to ripen on the tree as long as possible. Fully ripe quinces typically are harvested just before the first frost.
After the first year, avoid pruning more than a third of the tree’s branches unless the tree is diseased or significantly damaged. You may want to prune a bit more aggressively in the tree’s first year to establish the shape in which you want the tree to grow, but try not to take more than 50 percent of the new growth. In the summer, prune away any dead or damaged leaves. You may also want to remove foliage that shields the fruits from the sun. Each winter, prune back approximately one-third of the new growth from the previous season. [4] X Research source
Choose 3 strong branches that will create your vase shape. These branches should be relatively evenly spaced out. Cut out any branches that cross or compete with your shape. As you’re pruning, step back often and look at the big picture. In winter, it can help to look at pictures of the tree when it was in full bloom so you know where the growth will likely occur.
Once you’ve removed all the problem branches, you may find additional pruning isn’t necessary, apart from cuts you’ll need to make just to train and shape the tree in the first couple of years.
Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle sloped away from the bud. The bottom of your angle should be just on the other side of the branch from the bud. If you cut too close to the bud, the bud will wither. Avoid cutting further up the branch, unless you want to remove the branch completely. You could cause tears on the branch you leave behind. Use a sharp pocket knife to fix any tearing.
You should be able to use a pruning saw to trim off the top of the trunk. A chainsaw can also be used, but be extremely cautious. [7] X Research source
With older trees, you may be able to get away with pruning every other year. You still want to keep an eye out for dead and unproductive branches on years you don’t do a full prune.
Older branches that aren’t budding or show little growth can be trimmed back completely.
Remove vertical branches in the center completely to keep the center of the tree from becoming tangled and overgrown.
Generally, most vertical branches can be removed. If they’re not crossing another branch yet, they will eventually. Cutting them all the way down keeps them from growing back in a direction you don’t want.
Ideally, cut branches that are growing in the wrong direction early, before they get too large for you to cut.
Removing them as soon as possible decreases the chances that they will regrow. Aside from this, allowing them to grow means they will continue to take nutrients from your tree. Generally, maintain a trunk clearance of 3. 5 to 4 feet (1. 1 to 1. 2 m) on an established quince tree. [14] X Research source
