Pruning Fruit Trees

It is vital to prune fruit trees at the right time of year,both to have the desired effect on growth and to prevent diseases that become established if pruning is carried out at the wrong time of year.

Pruning Tools:

It is most important to have good quality and most importantly,sharpened tools. If you are purchasing prior to pruning. Keep in mind that it is worth buying good quality tools. They will repay for themselves endlessly over time giving better results and lasting longer than their cheaper cousins.

All you need are three basic tools. A secateurs,loppers and a pruning saw. As long as these tools are kept sharp and well maintained, they will produce clean cuts, that are important for keeping diseases at bay. All tools should be cleaned after use using a disinfectant designed for garden use and sharpened regularly.

Pruning:

Assess the tree.It can be tempting to start pruning the tree straight away. It pays to stand back and observe the condition of the tree and assess what needs pruning.

 

Ask yourself the following questions

Is the tree healthy. Are there any diseases such as canker that can be pruned out to improve the health of the tree. Are there any branches that have been damaged by wind or animals. How vigorous is the tree. Does it need light or heavy pruning. Is the growth congested ? Is it in need of thinning out? Are there too many branches that are becoming too heavy or too long?

By considering all of the above and how to prune the tree correctly.You are now ready!

Happy pruning!

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• Pruning Fruit Trees

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