Cada año, obtengo una gran cosecha de frutas gracias a este secreto.
Due to these simple techniques, pruning becomes the best ally to stimulate the harvest and keep the trees in excellent shape.
Do you dream of a bountiful orchard, where apples, cherries, and peaches fruit every summer? Pruning. Done right, this simple and essential practice stimulates production, improves fruit quality, and preserves tree health. Learn how to do it to maximize your harvest year after year.
Why is pruning fruit trees essential?
Many gardeners hesitate to prune their trees, fearing it will weaken production. We are here to tell you: It’s a mistake! On the contrary, well-directed pruning allows:
- Promote fruiting : By removing unnecessary branches, the tree focuses its energy on fruit production.
- Aerate : Allowing more light and air, we reduce the risk of diseases and improve fruit ripening.
- Strengthen the tree structure : A well-pruned tree is better able to support the weight of the fruit and withstand adverse weather conditions.
The key to success in this essential practice lies in Choosing the right time and technique to do it.
When should you prune your fruit trees?
There are Two main pruning periods depending on the tree type and desired outcome. The first, which is also the most important for the harvest, is Winter pruning. This pruning, which promotes fruiting, takes place in January-February, when the tree is still dormant. It is used to structure the tree and stimulate the growth of new branches. During this time of year, apples, pears, Vine, or Plum trees benefit from it.
The other time of year that leads to pruning is Summer. Here, maintenance and light pruning are practiced in June-July when the fruits begin to grow. It involves removing unnecessary branches and improving fruit exposure to sunlight. It is highly recommended for Quince, peach, and cherry trees.
Essential actions for successful pruning
To succeed in Fruit tree pruning, it is essential to start by Removing dead wood, branches, or poorly oriented branches. These elements weaken the tree and prevent light from penetrating properly into the canopy. Then, you need to Aerate by removing crossing or inward-growing branches. The goal is to allow light and air to pass through to promote better Fruit ripening and reduce the risk of disease. It is also recommended to maintain a reasonable height for the tree, making harvesting and maintenance easier.
Another key action is to Prune while respecting the natural inclination of the branches : those that are at 45° are the most productive. Remove overly vertical branches, which promote wood growth at the expense of fruit, and overly horizontal branches, often fragile under the weight of the crop. Finally, to protect the tree after a major pruning, apply a Healing kit on wounds to prevent infections. A sharp and disinfected tool (pruning shears, tree saw) is also essential for clean and precise cuts, minimizing trauma to the tree.
