Correct pruning of fruit trees in the garden

Pruning trees is the key to success and is a must-have procedure that every experienced gardener knows about. Any fruit tree requires constant and careful care. Only in this case will it give a rich harvest.

Why prune fruit trees?

Fruit trees such as apple, pear and stone fruit need pruning. They are very demanding on pruning. Why prune fruit trees?

By pruning, gardeners solve several problems at once:

1. Growth and fruiting.
2. Reducing the size of the crown.
3. The phytosanitary task is to create conditions unfavorable for pests and diseases.

If little light enters the crown, then the branches inside the crown do not bear fruit and eventually die off. Fruits are formed only on those branches of the tree where light hits.

AND if the tree was trimmed rarely or not at all, then the fruits will be on hard-to-reach branches, usually located high.

Thanks to the trimming procedure the crown of the tree is formed correctly... This leads to the growth of side branches and allows you to get more fruit on the available branches.

When and which trees in the garden can be pruned

Pruning fruit trees in a particular season depends on the following factors:

• what goal the gardener wants to achieve with this procedure;
• in what climatic conditions the garden is located;
• from the type of tree.

What time of year is it better to prune: spring, summer, winter or autumn?

In the central and northern regions of Russia it is not recommended to do autumn pruning, as due to severe frosts, the wounds on the trees will not have time to heal.

This also happens because the movement of the sap in the tree slows down, as it goes into a state of rest. As a result, the tree can get sick and die.

Besides it is important to start pruning from old trees, since the buds on them swell faster than on young ones, it is recommended that pruning be done strictly before the buds swell.

Pruning fruit trees in spring:

In the southern regions of the country, pruning can be done in winter.... This is due to the fact that the frosts in the south are not as strong as in the north.

Winter pruning is primarily carried out in order to rejuvenate old trees and create the correct crown for young seedlings.

Same winter pruning is often done to reduce the fruiting of young trees... It is believed that a tree that gives rich harvests for 2-3 years in a row should be allowed to rest.

In addition, thin branches of a young tree can break from a high harvest. Therefore, it is important to cut off excess branches in winter. In winter, gardeners first prune seed breeds, and then stone fruits.

Some gardeners think summer is the best time to prune.... But in this case, we are talking about trees from 3 years old and older. They argue that pruning during the summer months results in new shoots growing rapidly.

In addition, if pruning is done while the fruit is being poured, the quality of the fruit is noticeably improved.

Another plus of summer pruning is the sap produced by the tree. It covers the wound, which leads to rapid healing, and also acts as a defense against pests.

Most experienced gardeners find that pruning is best done when the tree is resting. Therefore, they prefer early spring.

At what age should fruit trees be pruned

This procedure can be started. annual shoots for crown formation.

If the tree has already reached 10-15 years of age, it is considered old. In such a tree, the number of growths and yield decreases. He needs a rejuvenating pruning.

For this, branches are cut for 3-7-year-old wood. Thus, the crown is reduced. But by next year, young shoots will thicken it. It is important to make sure that the number of cuts on one side of the branch does not exceed three.

Which plants to do and which not

The pruning procedure is required for almost all fruit trees. Since it is she who leads to an increase in yield, allows accelerating the growth of the tree, and also protects its numerous pests and diseases.

It is recommended to start pruning in early spring from pome fruit trees - apple and pear... Since these trees are hardy.

Trim cherry, plum, apricot, sweet cherry, cherry plum is possible only when leaves appear on the trees. If this is done while the tree is dormant, then pruning can lead to damage to the trees by fungi and diseases.

In the summer, you can remove dried branches, also shorten new shoots and remove branches that interfere with the crown.

Features of the procedure

It is important to prune trees carefully and follow the basic rules so as not to harm.

Timing

First of all, you need to decide on the right pruning season. It will depend on the type and age of fruit trees, as well as on the location of the garden and the climate.

Preparing garden tools

An important role as a result of pruning will be played by the availability of all the tools necessary for this procedure.

In order to avoid increasing the diameter of the damaged area on the tree only sharp instruments should be used for cutting.

It is recommended to have the following items and tools on hand:

• garden hacksaw;
• secateurs;
• air pruner - pruner on a long bar, for cutting branches at the top;
• stairs;
• glasses;
• garden var or paint on linseed oil - the means necessary to process the cut site.

Do not trim with a rusty tool... Otherwise, the tree may get sick and die as a result.

Scheme and technology

Before proceeding with the actual pruning, it is necessary to determine why it is needed and draw up an action plan.

Below are the main goals that gardeners achieve with this procedure:

• form the correct crown of the tree;
• to strengthen thin young shoots;
• remove crossed branches, discharge the crown to allow sunlight to enter it;
• remove diseased branches, making it possible to grow healthy;
• an increase in the number of fruiting branches;
• prepare the tree for the winter period.

Once the goal has been determined, it is important to learn pruning techniques. Several techniques are known, among which the most popular are three:

1. Kidney cut... This technique helps to set the right direction for branch growth. You should find a branch with good growth. The cutting head of the secateurs should be turned towards the left part of the branch. The cut is made at a slight angle of 5 mm. in front of the kidney. The new branch will grow in the direction the bud is facing.
2. Ring cut... This technique is used when it is necessary to remove a full-fledged branch that grows inside the crown, interferes with other branches and creates density. The scheme is as follows: in the place where the branches are connected, it is necessary to cut exactly along the outer ring.
3. Side branch cut... This technique allows you to change the direction of growth from one shoot to another. Inactive branches are cut, and the side branches take over the function of the main branches.

Good care after

If the cut diameter is more than 1 cm, the wound should be cleaned without fail. To do this, you need to buy or prepare your own garden pitch and treat the wound on the tree with it.

Young fruit trees should only be pruned to form a proper crown. Otherwise, pruning can lead to a deterioration in fruiting properties.

People who take care of their trees and prune correctly and on timealways receive gratitude in the form of a good harvest.

If a person first decided to do this procedure, it is very important to follow the recommendations of knowledgeable gardeners, since this process seems simple only at first glance.

But in fact, carelessness and ignorance can lead to the death of a plant.