The correct way to prune a jujube tree

Pruning of jujube trees is an important means to improve their growth quality and fruit yield, which is mainly divided into winter pruning and summer pruning. Winter pruning is usually done during the dormant period of the date tree, and the best time is in early spring; while summer pruning is mostly done from May to June in the north, and can be done earlier in the south. Whether it is winter pruning or summer pruning, the pruning techniques of jujube trees mainly include thinning, pinching back, scissoring, bud removal and pinching. The following is the correct way to prune a date tree .

1. Thinning branches

Thinning refers to removing branches that are too dense on the tree, including crossing branches, overlapping branches, drooping branches, and diseased and insect-infested branches. This practice helps reduce excessive consumption of nutrients inside the trees, improves ventilation and light conditions in the crown, promotes healthy growth of the plants, and increases flowering and fruiting. During the thinning process, ensure that the cuts are flat and smooth.

2. Retraction

When the middle and lower parts of the current year's branches of the jujube tree become bare, and the growth potential of the tips weakens and droops, the pinching pruning method can be used to restore its growth potential. The specific operation is to raise the angle of the branches and cut off the healthy and strong branches with strong vitality and upward growth. This helps the branches return to their natural growth state and enhances the overall growth vigor of the tree. When secondary branches appear below the cut, they can be cut off from the base to promote the germination of new jujube heads.

3. Shorten

Pruning is the process of cutting off the extension branches and secondary branches of one-year-old jujube trees. The purpose is to stimulate the germination of main buds, promote the growth of new branches, and enhance the vigor of the tree. When pruning, the principle of "eliminating the weak and keeping the strong" should be followed, and the rule of "one scissors to block, two scissors to remove" should be followed. That is, the first secondary branch under the cut must be thinned out to stimulate the germination of the main buds.

4. Remove the buds

Bud removal is usually carried out after bud burst in spring. It is mainly aimed at jujube trees that grow too vigorously or have too many jujube heads. Some jujube heads are removed from the base to provide a suitable growth environment for jujube heads with larger growth space.

5. Picking

Pinching is the process of removing the tops of newly grown jujube heads during the growing season of the jujube trees. The purpose is to cultivate fruiting branches, increase the number of jujube branches, reduce flower and fruit drop, and improve yield and quality. There are two methods of pinching: heavy pinching and light pinching. Heavy pinching is mainly used to cultivate lignified jujube trees, and is especially important for dwarf varieties. The lignified jujube branches originate from the two hidden buds at the bottom of the jujube heads of the current year. In spring, when the new jujube heads grow about 15 to 20 cm, the first secondary branches are removed to promote the faster germination of the two hidden buds at the bottom to form lignified jujube branches.

The above are the pruning methods for jujube trees. Through these pruning methods, the growth state of the jujube trees can be effectively regulated, promoting their healthy growth and increasing fruit yield.