How to Trim Red Raspberry Bushes

Raspberry bushes are not a true bush; instead they are a bramble plant that grows well in the home garden. Following a regular pruning schedule stimulates cane growth and may increase berry production. Pruning also improves air circulation around the plants, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Pruning clipper

Instructions

- 1
  Thin raspberry canes in late winter by pruning out dead and damaged canes to the ground before they begin to sprout. Leave vigorous canes with a diameter of 1/4 inch; they should be spaced 6 inches apart.
- 2
  Cut all everbearing raspberry canes to the ground in early spring for one large harvest during the growing season. Skip this step if you want two berry harvests from everbearing varieties.
- 3
  Remove canes that appear diseased and destroy the branches to prevent spreading.
- 4
  Prune to remove lateral branches in early spring to promote the growth of berry-producing canes. Cut the branches close to the main stem with a sharp clipper.
- 5
  Trim summer berry varieties to a height of 5 feet by cutting off the ends with a sharp clipper in early summer. Monitor the shorter canes and clip off any ends that appear winter-damaged.
- 6
  Cut berry-producing canes to the ground after harvest to stimulate new growth for future berry production.

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