Raspberry bushes require pruning in the fall to improve their overall health and vigor, increase fruit production, and make it easier to obtain a maximum yield and berry size. Here are some steps to follow when pruning raspberry bushes in the fall:

1. Identify the type of raspberry bush you have. There are two types of raspberry bushes: summer-bearing and fall-bearing. The pruning method will depend on the type of bush you have.

2. For summer-bearing raspberry bushes, remove all weak canes to the ground in early spring. Leave 10 to 12 of the healthiest canes, about ¼ inches (0.5 cm.) in diameter, with 6 inch (15 cm.) spacing. Tip prune any that may have suffered cold damage. Following summer harvest, prune off the old fruiting canes to the ground.

3. For fall-bearing raspberry bushes, fall-bearing can be pruned for either one crop or two. For two crops, prune as you would summer-bearing, then again after the fall harvest, pruning to the ground. If only one crop is desired, there’s no need to prune in the summer. Instead, cut all canes to the ground in spring. There will be no summer crop, only one in fall using this method.

4. Cut all canes off at ground level. Use a mower, sharp lopper, or hedge trimmer.

5. Remove old canes and keep new ones that have grown this year.

6. If you are planting out newly purchased summer-fruiting raspberries this fall, or over the winter, it is important to determine whether or not these have been sold as ‘long canes’. These long canes are year-old, ready to fruit canes (floricanes) and should not be pruned upon planting.

7. Construct a simple trellis system with removable wires or twine at 2- and 4-foot heights in open-field settings, or 3- and 6-foot heights in high tunnels. Keep canes upright by tucking them between the wires as needed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your raspberry bushes are healthy and productive year after year.