When is the best time to prune fruit trees?

Fruit tree pruning

There are several main benefits of pruning fruit trees: first, it advances the fruiting year and extends the economic life; second, it improves the light conditions of the tree; third, it improves the nutrition of the tree; fourth, it affects the distribution and conduction of nutrients in the tree; fifth, it affects the growth and fruiting of fruit trees; sixth, it improves the resistance of fruit trees to stress; seventh, it increases fruit yield; and eighth, it improves fruit quality.

Fruit tree pruning time

Fruit trees are in different growth stages throughout the year and require appropriate pruning, which can be divided into winter pruning, spring pruning, summer pruning, and autumn pruning, among which winter and summer pruning are the main ones. In addition, according to the growth characteristics of fruit trees, it can be divided into growing season pruning and dormant season pruning.

The pruning time varies depending on the vigor of the fruit trees. Deciduous fruit trees in the north can be pruned after the leaves fall, but the pruning time also varies according to the strength of the tree. Strong trees generally need to be pruned in mid-November to reduce nutrient backflow and enhance the vigor of the fruit trees. Weak trees should not be pruned until the end of December.

Fruit tree pruning methods

1. Shortening: Shortening means cutting off half of the annual branches. Shortening the branches of fruit trees can promote the germination of side buds under the cut.

2. Pruning: Pruning mainly involves shortening perennial branches, which can reduce the total growth of the tree, weaken the tree vigor, and improve the overall ornamental value.

3. Removing buds and thinning out shoots: Removing buds and thinning out shoots means removing dense buds and new shoots, which can leave useful growth branches on the tree and remove branches that are not very useful, increase ventilation and light transmittance, save nutrients, and achieve the purpose of improving branch quality.

Notes on pruning fruit trees

The scissors used for pruning fruit trees need to be disinfected, and the incision should be smooth to promote wound healing. After pruning, the fruit trees should not be watered or exposed to light, otherwise it will affect the healing of the wound and cause rot.