How to trim golden marbles

Pruning time

There are three key times to prune the golden marble tree to make the tree shape compact and perfect. The first is before the spring buds emerge, that is, before March. Pruning at this time can promote branch growth and sprout new buds. The second time point is to cut off branches that have grown too long in the summer to maintain a reasonable proportion. Pruning is beneficial to prolong the viewing period of the golden ball and can make the autumn buds shrink and the branches compact. Third, in autumn, wait for the branches to thicken and then prune them to nurture spring buds. When pruning in autumn, pay attention to retaining the fruiting branches so that the female plants can bear fruit.

Pruning methods

The pruning of golden balls should follow the principle of thinning out branches as the main method, supplemented by light pruning and combining bud removal and pinching. When the tree is growing vigorously, there is no need to retain the overgrown branches. For old and weak trees or those with missing branches in certain parts, they can be appropriately retained. After they grow to a certain height, they can be pinched off as reserve branches. Focus on pruning those crossed branches, inner branches, overlapping branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and other branches that affect growth and appearance. During the period from fruit setting to young fruit expansion, in order to control the germination of new shoots and avoid fruit drop, the method of pinching can be adopted. The buds below the fruiting nodes of the fruiting branches need to be thinned out that year, and the buds above the fruiting nodes need to be pinched off after leaving 4 leaves.

During the peak growing season, be sure to regularly remove undesirable branches and buds that are densely grown, overlapping, or leggy. Strong branches should be pinched in time to promote secondary branches in order to cultivate tree shape and fruit-bearing mother branches. The amount of fruiting mother branches retained should be determined according to the shape of the potted tree and the strength of its growth. Pruning is required every winter. Pruning weak branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, crossed branches, and overlapping branches will facilitate ventilation and light transmission, promote healthy growth, and achieve abundant flowers and fruits.