Pruning stimulates the growth of the tree and increases its productivity, as well as improving its aesthetics. It is very important to prune the tree in the correct way, in order to make it strong and fruitful. Learn when and how to prune your fruit trees by following the steps in this guide and start growing healthier and more productive trees.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Knowing When to Prune
Step 1. Prune the fruit trees in winter, when the tree is dormant
A tree is dormant when it produces neither leaves nor fruit. This makes it easier to locate areas to cut and ensures the best possible productivity.
- Pruning in the summer slows down the ripening process and exposes the fruits to the risk of being burned by the sun.
- If you deliberately want to slow down the tree's growth process, you can still prune it at the beginning of the summer season.
Step 2. Prune the tree immediately after planting it
Shorten the stem to a height ranging between 60 and 75 cm. Cut off the side shoots until there are only two buds left on the stem.
Step 3. Prune the tree abundantly for the first three years of life
An abundant pruning in the first years initially offers a poorer harvest but, in the long run, guarantees a robust and fruitful fruit tree.
Method 2 of 3: Learn the Basic Technique
Step 1. Choose the suitable tool
Use sharp shears on saplings with branches 1 cm or less in diameter. Use a pruning saw for older, larger trees.
Step 2. Learn about the different types of pruning
The pruning method used will determine the direction of growth of the new shoots.
- Training pruning improves the aesthetics of the tree. Cut above the outward facing buds, at an angle of 30 °. This will cause the branches to grow upwards and outwards, giving the tree the characteristic "glass of wine" shape. By cutting off a bud facing inwards, the branch would grow incorrectly, towards the inside of the tree (which should be avoided).
- Thinning pruning (as you may have guessed!) Thins out the branches of the tree, making sure that the larger branches receive a greater amount of sunlight. Make the cut as close as possible to the collar of the tree, being careful not to leave the knot exposed.
- Carry out pruning to get rid of the sturdiest vertical branches. This type of pruning is carried out to thin out the center of the tree and being rather traumatic for the plant, it is recommended to practice it rarely.
Step 3. Select the branches to prune and those to keep
You will have to keep those branches that, starting from the trunk, grow outwards at an angle of 45 °; the others will be pruned.
Step 4. Make a 30 ° cut where you want a new shoot to grow
Such a cut affects only a very small area of the plant and does not compromise the health of the tree in general.
Step 5. Always prune near a node or gem
The more sprouts you prune, the stronger the tree will grow back.
Method 3 of 3: Care of the Fruit Tree
Step 1. Prune your fruit trees in early spring as soon as the buds appear
To prune a tree, cut the stem to a height that goes between 75 and 85 cm. Permanent branches will grow 10 to 30cm below this cut.
Step 2. Let only one main branch develop
If more vertical branches are competing with each other to grow as a continuation of the stem, select one and prune the others to the height of the stem collar.
Step 3. Top the vertical branches to stimulate tree growth
By clipping the vertical branches you will ensure that the plant receives more sunlight.
Step 4. Prune the vertical branches to remove excess fruit and revitalize the branches
If you don't cut the horizontal branches, they will ensure a bigger yield.
Step 5. Prune the suckers and any diseased, discolored or broken branches
Suckers are small branches that grow at the base of the tree. Younger suckers can be broken by hand, with due delicacy. The woody suckers, similar to branches, must instead be pruned with shears. Cut any branches that may seem unhealthy or clearly diseased.
Step 6. Eliminate competing and lower branches
Low branches generally bear little fruit. Remove branches that grow close together and compete with each other to gain space.
Step 7. Try to prune the top of the tree more consistently than the underlying part
This allows shaded branches to receive more sunlight and stimulates fruiting. Horizontal branches tend to bear more fruit than vertical ones.
Advice
- Prune your fruit tree immediately after planting it (unless you have purchased one that has already been pruned).
- Peach, nectarine and kiwi grow fast and you will need to remove half of the sprouts grown on the plant in the previous year. Apple, pear and plum trees grow more slowly and you only need to remove a fifth of the shoots. As for citrus trees, the branches closest to the ground should be pruned.
Warnings
- Improper pruning can lead to diseases and parasitic infestations. Cuts that favor water stagnation can produce rotten or moldy shoots.
- Make clean cuts, avoiding leaving any logs.
- Don't prune the cherry tree.
