How to Prune Kiwis

Use clean, very sharp bypass shears to prune kiwi vines. Clean the blades of the shears by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol and hot water.

Prune kiwis periodically during the first year of growth to remove any lateral branches or side shoots from the main trunk. Train the trunk against the trellis so it runs vertically up to its desired height.

Prune the kiwi vine again in late winter of the following year when it is dormant. Remove any wood that bore fruit the previous year and any stunted or weak side canes. Use bypass shears and make the cuts flush with the trunk.

Prune away the top shoots so only the three or four most vigorous 1-year-old canes remain. Train the remaining canes laterally along the top of the support structure.

Prune the kiwi vine in summer to remove any superfluous growth that might detract from abundant fruiting. Remove canes that fail to produce flowers when the vine is in full bloom. Cut off the failed canes flush with the trunk.

Tip-prune the flowering canes so all the vine's energy is put toward producing larger fruit rather than more foliage. Cut the vine at least four sets of leaves above the flower. Make the cut straight across.

Prune the entire vine after the fruit has been harvested. Cut the vines back to the top of the central support. Remove root suckers, withered or twisted vines, and those that failed to bear fruit.

Prune male kiwi vines back immediately after flowering. Cut the vines back to within 6 inches of the base.