Fruit Tree Pruning Basics
Proper pruning is key to maintaining tree health and boosting fruit production. Acquaint yourself with the art of fruit tree pruning with this beginner-friendly guide.
1) Know the Tools of the Trade:
Bypass hand pruners, hand saw, loppers, pole pruner, pole saw, chainsaw.
Be sure that your hand pruners, loppers, and pole pruner are BYPASS and not ANVIL type pruners. ANVIL type pruners are used for deadwood only.
You will want to sanitize the blades of your tools between trees or after you cut off diseased wood. Rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or a bleach solution will work.
Sharp tools make clean cuts that heal over properly. Invest in a speedy sharp or sharpening stone and sharpen your tools before or after you prune.
2) Learn the Anatomy of Fruit Trees:
Learning to identify tree anatomy will help you execute proper pruning cuts which in turn will increase the health and productivity of your fruiting plants.
Trunk: The support system of the tree.
Scaffold: The main branches of the tree’s structure. A well formed fruit tree should have 4-6 main scaffold branches that are evenly space around the trunk.
Lateral: Shoots that grow from the scaffold branches and hold majority of the fruit wood.
Water sprout: Vigorous upright shoots originating from the scaffolds or trunk. Most should be removed. Can be used to provide shade, if needed.
Sucker: Shoots originating from below the soil level, usually rootstock. They should be fully removed 99% of the time.
Graft union: 99% of fruit trees are grafted. The graft union should be planted a minimum of 3-5 inches above the soil level.
Crotch: Any point on the tree where two branches come together.
Branch Bark Ridge: Where the branch and trunk tissue meet.
Branch Collar: The swollen area just outside the branch bark ridge.
3) Consult Before You Prune:
It’s smart to reference a variety of resources while planning tree care. Here are some simple steps to take:
Attend a HOEC workshop to learn about maintaining fruit trees.
Become a HOEC volunteer and get hands-on learning.
Follow recommended guides:
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