Pruning fruit trees. Tips for Beginners!

Forming the crown of a tree, removing unnecessary branches and even trunks, prolongs the life of the tree. It takes strength for rich fruiting. In addition, pruning fruit trees reduces the problem of plant pests and diseases by several times.

If the tree is not cut, it will eventually form a lush crown and thus block the light from the lower branches on the trunk. If little light gets in, then the fruits on the lower branches will stop forming.

If your tree has more than one main trunk, but over time two of them have formed, then these two trunks will compete with each other and you can also forget about a good harvest.
If your tree has many branches that interfere with each other, overhang, touch, this will also have a very bad effect on the harvest.

Therefore, we come to the conclusion that in order for our fruit trees to please us with a harvest, it is imperative that they be pruned annually.

What types of pruning of fruit trees exist.

Formative pruning.
It is made mainly for young trees. With the help of it, they form the correct crown of the tree, make a kind of strong skeleton that can withstand a bountiful harvest.
Such pruning will speed up the flowering process, and then fruiting. Correctly cut crown provides all plants with light; the risk of damage by pests and diseases is reduced.
It is necessary to form a crown in fast-growing trees every year, in those who grow more slowly every two to three years.

Anti-aging pruning.
Used to stimulate the growth of old trees. All old branches are cut off, while leaving young shoots. This type will spur the tree to growth and fruiting.
If your tree begins to grow poorly, there are few flowers, or vice versa, there are too many, but they are crumbling - this is a clear sign that the tree is time to renew. Basically, old trees are rejuvenated in this way every three to four years.
If you have a lot of trees in your garden, start pruning from older trees as they wake up faster after winter than younger ones. Also, if some trees gave a good harvest for two or three years, then it is recommended to cut them strongly, so that the tree rests and gains strength.

Sanitary pruning.
It is necessary to carry out if your plants have broken, dried out branches damaged by pests and disease. That is, the main purpose of such a circumcision is to remove everything unnecessary and leave only healthy parts. This type of pruning can be done at any time of the year.

Fruit tree pruning technique.
Several pruning techniques are used for fruit trees.

Pruning on, bud- when the cut is made over the kidney at an angle, stepping back a few millimeters. This method helps to give the desired direction of growth of the branch.

Cutting to the ring. A ring is a thickened part at the base of a branch. There are a lot of regenerating cells, thanks to which the wound will quickly heal. The branch is cut down so that the ring itself remains.Pruning to side branching... All unsuccessful directions of branch growth are cut off, transferring growth from one shoot to another. This allows you to accelerate the fruiting of young trees.

What needs to be cut off from fruit trees for their quality growth?

The tops of the shoots, the so-called crow's feet.
Overlapping branches.
Branches facing down and towards the trunk.
Branches growing very close, practically in contact with each other.
All branches damaged by pests or diseases.
Dry, broken.
The tops of the shoots, the so-called crow's feet.

Time and timing of pruning fruit trees?

For fruit trees in the northern and central regions, this is early spring, from the beginning of March, before the buds swell on the trees, and the air temperature will stay above zero, including at night. Also, if the winter was harsh, then it is better to leave the pruning for the next year, as the plants may not cope with the wounds and will begin to hurt.

It is not recommended to prune it in autumn, as the wounds on the trees may not have time to heal before the onset of frost.
In the southern regions, pruning can be done in autumn, spring and even winter. provided that the air temperature is above 5-6 degrees.

What should you use when pruning fruit trees?

Firstly, these are sharp, not rusty tools: pruning shears, garden hacksaw.
Secondly, a means to cover up the trimming site. For this, a special var is sold in stores. Or you can use paint.
And thirdly, protective equipment: glasses, gloves.

Pruning fruit trees: possible mistakes

Choosing the wrong time of year for pruning. If you trim too early, there is a risk that the sections will dry out after trimming. The fact is that after cutting, the vessels are filled with air, which creates a plug; as a result, the cell sap cannot pass to the wound and begin its healing.

If the pruning of fruit trees is done later, when the plant has already woken up, then cell sap will be released at the cut site, and this will weaken the plant.

Use blunt tools. Only sharp equipment should always be used. By cutting off branches with a blunt instrument, you run the risk of leaving lacerations that take a very long time to heal. A good cut should be smooth.

Choosing the wrong place to delete a branch. Before trimming, double-check that you have chosen the right spot seven times. There is no need to cut off the overflow from the branches, as you will remove the cells that help the wound close. You don't need to cut everything, take a good look.

Pruning fruit trees, namely only branches growing outside.
Branches must be removed both outside and inside the crown. If you leave the branches inside, this will lead to thickening, and then to rotting of the branches and, as a result, to disease.
Pruning is not done regularly. In one year they were circumcised, then they forgot for three years. It shouldn't be like that.

To get healthy, beautiful plants that will delight you with a rich harvest, take care of them, do pruning regularly and at the same time be very careful as mistakes can cost you your harvest!