Pruning fruit shrubs and trees is a crucial step in ensuring good fruit production and long-term health. In this text, we will look at various pruning methods and the best times to apply them.
Why prune shrubs and fruit trees
Pruning is an important practice to control the growth of trees and shrubs. It also eliminates dead or diseased branches, stimulates fruit production and improves their quality.
Indeed, by pruning the branches, the tree can better concentrate the nutrients and energy it receives to redistribute them to the fruits. This results in larger, sweeter fruits while preventing disease and insect pests. In addition, it can also help give a particular shape to the tree or shrub, thus creating more aesthetic and attractive landscapes. Therefore, it is important to prune trees and shrubs regularly to maintain their health and beauty.
Pruning techniques
There are two main pruning techniques: formation pruning and fruiting pruning.
training size
The training pruning technique is a crucial step in the growth of young trees and shrubs. Indeed, it consists in directing their growth by eliminating the excess branches, in order to keep only those which are the most vigorous and well placed. It gives a harmonious shape to the tree while promoting its long-term growth.
By following this method, trees and shrubs will be able to develop a strong root system and a balanced branch structure. This way, they will be better able to resist bad weather and disease, while producing quality flowers and fruit.
It is therefore recommended to start pruning young trees and shrubs from an early age, in order to optimize their development and give them the desired shape. By using the training pruning technique appropriately, you will be able to create a harmonious and lush garden, with healthy and well-structured trees and shrubs.
fruiting size
Fruiting body pruning is a very important technique for stimulating fruit production on fruit trees. It consists of eliminating dead or diseased branches, as well as branches that grow inside the tree and do not receive enough light. By reducing the number of branches, the tree is forced to better concentrate the nutrients and energy it receives to redistribute them to the fruits, which allows them to grow faster and become tastier and juicier.
Additionally, it also helps to improve the overall health of the tree by allowing better air and light circulation through the branches, reducing the risk of disease and infection.
The pruning periods
Pruning periods vary according to species and region, but in general, there are two main periods: spring pruning and autumn pruning.
spring pruning
The pruning of fruit trees is an important step to guarantee an abundant and quality harvest. Spring pruning, the most common, is recommended between late winter and early spring, when the buds begin to swell and the tree is still dormant. This period is ideal for training pruning, because you can more easily visualize the structure of the tree and give it the desired shape. In addition to formation pruning, it is important to remove dead or diseased branches, as well as branches that cross or are misdirected.
fall pruning
Fall pruning is a common practice that generally occurs after fruit harvest, when the tree begins to shed its leaves. This time is particularly good for fruiting pruning, as the tree is still growing and can heal wounds quickly. Also, this is the perfect time to remove unnecessary or diseased branches, which may cause problems the following season. Indeed, careful pruning will allow the tree to better prepare for winter, develop a solid structure and produce more fruit the following year.
Pruning fruit shrubs and trees is a crucial step in ensuring good fruit production and long-term health. By practicing the right pruning techniques at the right times, you can improve the quality and quantity of your crops, while ensuring the longevity of your trees and shrubs. It is important to note that each species has its own peculiarities when it comes to pruning, so do not hesitate to inquire more about the techniques specific to your tree or shrub.
