Features of plant pruning
Even knowing the basic methods of pruning plants, it is not always possible to remember many aspects and details of this process, which is important for the development and formation of plants.
One way or another, every summer resident resorts to pruning, who does not want his plants to feel bad at some point, or even die altogether. Let's reiterate the importance of pruning plants and clarify some aspects overlooked from the general information.
Mostly, plant pruning is done to form the structural skeleton of the crown, which will withstand the future harvest. The skeleton must be strong and resistant to external influences of the environment, so pruning must be done in a timely manner and on time.
Ballast is not needed - branches that are of low productivity, dry, old, mechanically damaged or affected by any disease, all this should be removed in order to avoid the weakening of the plant as a whole.
Throughout the entire life cycle, a lot of extra branches often appear, skeletal branches are exposed, the trunk is also prevented by pruning, which in turn not only protects the immunity of a shrub or fruit tree from weakening, but also contributes to a high-quality and rich harvest of large, healthy fruits ...
Pruning of plants is also allocated for the so-called rejuvenation of trees that are completely healthy, have a strong structure, a developed system of skeletal branches, but at one point or another that have aged for completely natural reasons.
This can be easily corrected by intensive and strong pruning, which, however, is not recommended to be done at one time - it would be optimal to divide the whole process into several separate stages. At first, it is recommended to resort to sanitary cleaning of the crown, to limit its overall dimensions.
By the onset of the second year, it is allowed to apply shortening pruning, through which it is possible to achieve rejuvenation of skeletal branches belonging to the first and second order. As for the third stage for next year, here it is necessary to deal with the already overgrown branches.
It is recommended to use sequential pruning for rejuvenation along the tiers of a particular tree - from the first, lowest, and higher.
There are also types of pruning by seasons.... So, for example, winter pruning is called, which is carried out during a break set aside for a plant to rest from the growing season. Summer is, on the contrary, carried out during vegetative processes.
In principle, for most types of pruning, just the same dormant period of the plant is suitable, since it is characterized as the safest for this event. However, it should be borne in mind that in different regions there may be different weather conditions, therefore, the terms are not the same everywhere.
If your garden plot is located in a place where a warm climate prevails, and the temperature in winter does not reach critically low levels, it is allowed to start the pruning process as early as November, and finish before the fruit buds bloom in the spring.
Those varieties that are especially sensitive to low temperatures and do not tolerate frosts must be subjected to this process in the last days of February or already at the beginning of March. Be guided by severe frosts and only prune when they have already weakened and the temperature has increased.
Remember that regardless of the climatic conditions of a particular region, in the process of pruning trees, the temperature should not be lower than 8 degrees, otherwise there is a high risk of freezing, and as a result, serious damage to plant tissues.
It also happens that the trees freeze slightly, but pruning is still necessary. How then to be? Really do nothing? Of course not. If the tree did not have time to freeze too much, then it is allowed to prune it at the same time that is typical for healthy trees, that is, in the spring season.
But in the case when the trees have undergone a thorough freezing, the process should be postponed for the vegetative period, on average, this falls on the beginning of June. In extreme cases, it may be the last days of May, but not earlier - again, there is a risk of causing serious damage to plants.
If the degree of freezing of the tree is determined as strong, then it is recommended not to take risks and postpone the pruning process altogether for the next year for greater insurance.
Sunburns, small frosts and other mechanical or natural damage may well heal by themselves due to the tree's ability to regenerate its tissues.
The bark that remains should be stripped to a healthy place, and also covered with garden varnish for prevention. Do not leave it open, as in the future it can serve as a vulnerable point for new and new damage to the fruit tree.
Pruning as a process of facilitating the life of trees and shrubs should in no way be neglected, especially if the number of unnecessary branches begins to prevail over time.
Remember that plants also need attention and care, without your help it will be difficult for them to survive and exist. Take care of your vegetation, prune with quality tools and don't be lazy. Good luck!