BLACK RASPBERRIES- Can I cut the 1st year canes (green ones) down or must they remain?

Question:I have a huge raspberry patch at my new house. There are a few 2nd year canes with berries developing on the branch, and surrounding these canes are hundreds of 1st year 'green' canes. Can I chop down the 1st year canes without affecting the plant?

Answers:
Raspberries grow in 2 year cycles so if these are 1st year canes you will be able to cut them down with no affect on the other plants. If they are new green shoots then cutting them down will reduce your next years crop. When the canes with fruit this year have had all their fruit you need to cut them down to about 6 inches from the ground and the new green canes will provide the fruit of the following year. Enjoy!