Pruning Trees: Basic Rules and Techniques
Tree pruning is an important tree care procedure that promotes tree health, aesthetics and safety. The main rule of pruning is do no harm! It is necessary to know not only the goals and objectives, but also how to perform the operation.
What are the goals of the gardener?
Before starting pruning, it is necessary to ask the question – what goals we are pursuing, what result we want to get? There are several basic goals and objectives can be distinguished:
- The formation of the crown of the plant of the required size and shape. And the form can differ significantly from the original appearance of the plant. You should start with the first years of the shrub’s life, when it is still in the nursery.
- Maintaining the plant in its normal condition. For example, when we form the size of a hedge near the house, which should be periodically cut.
- Regulating the growth processes, as well as creating favorable conditions for fruiting. Various methods are used that allow twisting, ringing or removal of flower stalks.
- Tree and shrub health is also important. During the life of the plant, it is necessary to cut off diseased or damaged branches, remove deadwood.
- Pruning allows you to activate the processes of rejuvenation, improve the growth and development of plants.
Three rules for pruning
Rule 1 – Timing should depend on the period of activity
Plants are considered the only living organisms on the planet that can regenerate lost tissue and entire branches. And this process is so fast that some plants can completely regenerate in a season. The timing of pruning should coincide with the main periods of activity and growth. Pruning should be done from February to May, when the buds have not yet had time to blossom. From May to October, the plant should not be touched.
Rule 2 – The taller, the stronger
Any plant will have the strongest shoots at the top of the pruned branches. The lower shoots always grow worse. So you should keep this pattern in mind when you next prune.
Rule 3 – Depending on arousal ability
All buds have a different degree of awakening in spring. For example, the top buds always have the strongest shoots. The middle buds also have good and strong shoots which act as competitors, taking some of the nutrients. The lowest buds awaken later and produce only short shoots, so they are most often cut back so that they do not take up nutrients. In this way, we direct all the fluid flow to the top fruiting shoots.
With these simple rules, you will always have a good harvest.
