When to Prune Elderberry Bushes for Maximum Yield

Elderberry bushes are a wonderful addition to any edible landscape. The antioxidant-rich berries can be eaten fresh or used to make syrups, jams juices and more. However proper pruning is essential for keeping your elderberry bushes healthy and productive. In this article, we’ll go over when and how to prune elderberry bushes for maximum yield.

Why Prune Elderberry Bushes?

Pruning accomplishes several important tasks:

• Removes dead damaged and diseased wood. This prevents disease spread and pests.

• Thins out overcrowded branches for improved air circulation and light penetration This allows for better fruit production.

• Encourages the growth of new fruiting wood. Elderberries fruit on one and two year old canes.

• Maintains a manageable height for easy harvesting.

• Rejuvenates neglected bushes by cutting back old wood.

When to Prune

The timing of pruning is crucial. For most fruit trees and bushes, pruning is done when the plant is dormant in late winter or very early spring. The reasons are twofold:

• Pruning when the plant is dormant avoids accidentally removing new growth that will form fruit and flowers in the coming season.

• Open wounds heal quicker when pruning is done right before spring growth starts.

Specifically for elderberry bushes, late winter pruning should occur after the coldest part of winter has passed but before new growth emerges. In most climates, the ideal pruning window is February to early March.

Pruning Young Bushes

For the first two years after planting, let young elderberry bushes grow freely. This allows them to become established. Any dead or damaged branches can be removed, but avoid major pruning.

Lightly trim back the tallest branches by a few inches to encourage outward bushy growth. But keep the overall shape intact to build a strong framework.

Pruning Established Bushes

On established elderberry bushes, pruning is done annually to rejuvenate and maintain productivity. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Dead, Damaged and Diseased Wood

The first priority is to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Look for:

• Dead, dry and brittle wood
• Branches with cracks, splits or major holes from pests
• Discolored or spotty stems, which indicate disease

Cut all unhealthy wood back to where it connects to a healthy branch or main trunk. Disinfect pruning tools between each cut to prevent spreading issues.

2. Thin Out Overcrowded Areas

Elderberry bushes tend to grow in a vase-shaped form, with branches clustered toward the center. Over time, the interior can become overcrowded with little air flow.

Selectively remove inward facing branches, as well as branches that rub or cross over each other. Keep 4-6 inch spacing between branches for good air circulation.

3. Remove Old Non-Fruiting Wood

Elderberries fruit on one and two year old stems. Older branches become less productive as they age. Pruning out older wood encourages the plant to continually generate new fruiting wood.

Identify older branches by their thicker diameter and darker bark compared to younger stems. Remove older non-fruiting branches all the way back to the ground.

4. Shape and Contain Bush Height

Unpruned elderberry bushes can reach 8-12 feet tall or more. For easy access, prune to keep bushes within a manageable height range.

To shape the bush, selectively trim back last year’s growth by several inches. This encourages the plant to grow bushy and outward.

For overgrown bushes, renewal pruning may be needed. Cut main branches back to 1-3 feet high to completely rejuvenate the plant.

5. Remove Suckers and Runners

Elderberries send up suckers from the stool (base) and downward growing roots. These divert energy from the main bush. Dig out suckers when they are small. For larger suckers, cut off at ground level.

Likewise, remove runners (horizontal stems) that spread out from the main bush. Keep your elderberry contained to the desired area.

By pruning elderberry bushes at the right time and using proper technique, you can maintain healthy, highly productive plants for years to come. The effort pays off when you harvest bowlfuls of delicious, homegrown elderberries!