How to prune cherimoya

Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin the canopy by cutting back last season's long shoots by one-third to two-thirds. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle above a healthy bud to shed moisture and direct regrowth outward.

Annually. Cherimoya benefits from annual pruning to improve light penetration, air circulation, and fruit size. Without it, the canopy becomes dense and yields drop. Prune back about one-third of the previous year's growth each late winter before buds break to keep the tree productive and a manageable size.

Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin the canopy by cutting back last season's long shoots by one-third to two-thirds. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle above a healthy bud to shed moisture and direct regrowth outward.