Pruning helps thin out the branches, allowing sunlight to reach all parts of the tree, promoting better fruit growth. If left unpruned, trees develop too many competing branches, reducing fruit quality. The basic rules of pruning are straightforward: remove dead, dying, crossing, or diseased branches. One helpful tip is to make sure there is enough space for a bird to fly between the branches, ensuring sufficient light exposure to all the leaves.
For young trees, it’s essential to start shaping early, even if this means sacrificing a few fruit spurs (the areas where flowers and fruit develop). Early shaping creates a strong structure, preventing the need for drastic cuts later on. Aim for a scaffold of branches that grow at an angle to the trunk, ensuring strength and proper sunlight distribution.
There are two common methods for forming this scaffold:
- Chalice or Goblet Shape: This technique prevents the tree from growing too tall, making fruit picking safer and easier from the ground. Each branch is pruned to form an upward curve, and over time, these branches will bear fruit, becoming almost horizontal under the weight.
- Tiered Scaffold: This shape is commonly used in commercial orchards where mechanical fruit picking is involved. However, for a home orchard, a smaller, compact tree is ideal. Dwarf rootstocks make it easy to maintain low-growing trees, allowing you to pick fruit right from the ground.
When’s the Best Time to Prune?
Apple, pear, and quince trees should be pruned in early spring, before the sap starts to flow, which means before buds form. For stone fruits like plums, apricots, and peaches, pruning is best done in August to avoid sap leakage. This minimizes the risk of attracting pests or developing mold due to unhealed wounds.
Always remember to dispose of any diseased branches properly to prevent re-infection. And for those considering different tree types, it’s worth learning about the differences between full-sized heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees to choose the best fit for your garden.
🌳🍎 Happy pruning, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! 🍑🌳