How can I prune my Highbush blueberry?

To prune the Highbush blueberry, first identify how the Highbush blueberry has grown thus far. It can either look bushy, like a shrub, or it can have one or more trunks that stem up from the ground with foliage in the top quadrant. If you have a bushy Highbush blueberry and you like it that way, then you can simply trim just as you would an average shrub, by removing new growths at equal heights just above a leaf node. For taller Highbush blueberry, there’s a little more to it. Identify the look you want first. If all you’re looking for is a quick prune and done, then all you really need to do is cut back any growth that is growing towards the inside of the canopy, as well as any “suckers”, or stems that grow below the canopy line. In this case, it is necessary to prune in winter, giving priority to the reduction of dead and dry branches. Afterwards, the crossed and parallel branches are pruned off, which increases the space for other branches to grow. In this case, it is necessary to prune in winter, giving priority to the reduction of dead and dry branches. Afterwards, the crossed and parallel branches are pruned off, which will increase the space for other branches to grow. If what you need is to take off some serious area, then more planning is in line. Highbush blueberry branch out in a fan fashion from the center trunk, and each branch will have its own branches that grow from them, as well. Try to take off branches that are pointing downward at their bases, but avoid cutting too much away from each secondary branch. From here, you can do some milder pruning around the areas where you removed branches in order to clean up the look and blend in the newly trimmed sections. Never trim off so much that no secondary branches are left from the main trunk; Highbush blueberry can tolerate this, but it takes years for them to recover fully. All these prunings need to be done after flowering so as not to interfere with Highbush blueberry flowering. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head. The plants need to be completely cleaned up after the leaves have fallen to avoid decaying and breeding pests and diseases.