Three Basic Methods of Pruning Fruit Trees:
Master These, and Pruning Won't Be a Problem
Pruning fruit trees is a critical horticultural technique that helps shape the tree, design appropriate branch angles, reduce the number of main branches, and consequently decrease the height and thickness of the tree canopy. This improves the plant's photosynthetic conditions and increases the effective leaf area. Additionally, combined with the rational use of fertilizers and water, it can further enhance the quality of the tree's leaves and photosynthetic efficiency, providing favorable conditions for flowering and fruiting.
Pruning fruit trees can improve both the yield and quality of the fruit. There are three basic methods of pruning:
heading back, thinning, and renewal pruning. Here, we will introduce these three methods and discuss how
to apply them to improve fruit tree productivity.
1. Heading Back
Heading back involves cutting back one-year old branches to promote branching and growth. This stimulates the buds below the cut to sprout, increasing the number and length of branches. Depending on the degree of heading back, it can be classified into light, medium, and heavy heading back.
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Light Heading Back: This method involves cutting off part of the branch while retaining some leaves, promoting mild growth. It is suitable for fruit trees that need slight stimulation, such as apple and pear trees.
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Medium Heading Back: This method involves cutting off about half of the branch while retaining some leaves, promoting moderate growth. It is suitable for fruit trees that need moderate stimulation, such as peach and plum trees.
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Heavy Heading Back: This method involves cutting off most of the branch, leaving only a small part at the base, promoting vigorous growth. It is suitable for fruit trees that need strong stimulation, such as
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cherry trees.
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2. Thinning
Thinning involves removing dense, crossing, overlapping, or weak branches from the base to improve the ventilation and light conditions of the canopy. Thinning reduces nutrient consumption and promotes the growth and development of the remaining branches. Depending on the degree of thinning, it can be classified into light, medium, and heavy thinning.
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Light Thinning: This method involves removing a few dense or weak branches to improve the canopy's ventilation and light conditions. It is suitable for situations where fruit trees are growing vigorously.
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Medium Thinning: This method involves removing most of the dense or weak branches, leaving only a few strong branches. It is suitable for situations where fruit trees are growing weakly.
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Heavy Thinning: This method involves removing most of the branches, leaving only a small part at the base. It is suitable for rejuvenating old trees or reshaping the canopy.
3. Renewal Pruning
Renewal pruning involves cutting back older branches to promote the sprouting and growth of buds below the cut. This method helps renew old trees or reshape the canopy, making it an essential pruning
technique. Depending on the degree of renewal pruning, it can be classified into light, medium, and heavy renewal pruning.
The key to successful pruning lies in judging the overall vigor of the tree and the condition of the branches. You must consider the relationship between adjacent trees and the response to pruning. You must also consider how pruning affects nutrient distribution and the quantity and quality of the fruit.
Pruning decisions should also be based on the overall management of the orchard, including fertilizer and water usage, investment levels, and more. Since you know your orchard best, it is recommended that
you prune the trees yourself. Doing so can result in more accurate judgments and fewer mistakes than hiring someone else to prune. The key is to have the courage to pick up the shears and start pruning.
The more you prune, the better you will become at assessing the vigor of the tree and its branches. Your pruning techniques will become more flexible. When you can predict how nutrients will be redistributed and how different parts of the tree will respond to your cuts, you will truly master the art of pruning. Remember, the tree will "speak" to you, showing whether your pruning was beneficial or not.
For fruit farmers and gardeners alike, investing in a pair of electric pruning shears is a smart choice that will undoubtedly enhance their gardening experience.
