Fruit Tree Pruning

Fruit Tree Pruning Pruning fruit trees is performed very differently from shade tree pruning because the objectives are different. Fruit tree pruning is performed for the following reasons: 1. Stimulate regular yields of large fruit (unpruned trees will be erratic producers, occasional setting more fruit than the tree can mature into sizeable. high quality fruit. 2. Develop shortened branches and strong crotches that will support heavy crops of fruit. 3. Reduce the height of the trees to facilitate harvest, inspection and foliar treatments. 4. Develope an open canopy that will encourage foliage and fruit production at all heights in the trees. An open canopy also reduces disease problems. 5. Maintain balanced proportions of old and new wood. The key tc fruit tree pruning is making the proper cuts during the first five years of grow th. If the correct framework of each tree is not established early, then renovation pruning, requiring radical cuts will be necessary to make corrections. All fruit trees should be pruned annually. Older, mature trees can be pruned every other year, but annual pruning will increase fruit yield and reduce disease. Fruit trees should be pruned during dormancy, from leaf drop until bud swell. December, January and February are desired months. There arc three types of pruning cuts that you can use on fruit trees U achieve your goals. Heading Back: Removal of only the end of the branch. Heading cuts typically eliminates one-half of the new growth produced during the previous growing season. Thinning Cuts: Removal of a branch or shoot entirely. Thinning cuts improve light and air penetration into the tree, enhancing fruit production. Sucker Removal: Elimination of all suckers (water spouts) should be done each year. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding this article please e-mail me at j wood (s' bartlett.com

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