Winter pruning methods for apricot trees

Short

Shortening is the process of cutting back part of an annual branch. The degree of pruning should be determined based on factors such as the actual thickness, length, variety, and tree vigor of the branches. Pruning young apricot trees can promote bud germination and grow 2-3 long branches, which can quickly expand the tree crown and increase the amount of branches and leaves as well as the fruiting area; it can also promote the growth of some short fruit branches on the retained middle and lower branches, which can be used for fruiting in the second year; pruning trees in the peak fruit-bearing period can maintain strong tree vigor and stabilize the fruiting area, which is conducive to maintaining a stable yield; pruning aging trees can promote their renewal and restore growth.

Retraction

Pruning is the process of shortening the perennial branches of apricot trees to the base of perennial branches or annual branches. The main purpose of pinching back is to weaken and control the growth of mother branches in inappropriate positions, which is beneficial to the later growth of apricot tree branches. At the same time, it can also change the extension direction and angle of the extension branches.

Thinning

Thinning is to cut off the branches of the apricot tree from the base. The main targets of thinning are competing branches on the back, overcrowded branches in the middle and upper parts of the crown, crossed branches, whorled branches near the cut, and adjacent branches. At the same time, it can also suppress the front and promote the back, thereby improving ventilation and light conditions within the crown.

Ease

To ease off is to not cut. Slow release is mostly used for young apricot trees and vigorously growing branches, which has the effect of slowing down the vegetative growth potential of these branches, so that more short fruit branches can be formed in the middle and upper parts of the branches, increasing the fruiting area and thus increasing the yield.