If you’ve ever taken a look at an overgrown fruit tree and thought, “Hmm, how do I make this tree look neat and tidy?”, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re talking all about how to properly prune fruit trees. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to keep it easy to understand, just like telling a story to a sixth-grader. Let’s dive in!
Why Should We Prune Fruit Trees?
- Health: Just like we trim our hair to get rid of split ends, fruit trees need trimming to stay healthy. It helps get rid of sick, broken, or dead branches.
- Better fruit: When a tree has fewer branches, it can send more energy into making bigger and juicier fruits.
- Safety: Nobody wants a big branch falling on their head! Pruning helps prevent this.
- Looks: A well-pruned tree looks nice and tidy in a garden.
The Best Time to Prune
Before you start cutting, you need to pick the right time. The best time to prune most fruit trees is late winter or early spring. This is when the tree is still sleeping (we call this “dormant”). Why? Well, it’s easier to see what you’re doing without all the leaves in the way. And, the tree will heal faster when it wakes up in spring.
Tools You’ll Need
- Hand pruners: They’re like scissors for trees.
- Loppers: These are like big pruners and are great for thicker branches.
- A pruning saw: For the really big branches.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
Always make sure your tools are sharp and clean. Dirty tools can make tree diseases spread.
Source: Pexels
How to Prune Your Tree
Start with the 3 Ds: Look for branches that are Dead, Diseased, or Damaged. These are the first to go.
- Branches that Cross or Touch: If two branches are rubbing against each other, one of them should go. Branches that touch can hurt each other.
- The Center: Fruit trees like sunshine. If the middle of your tree is too crowded, it won’t get enough sun. So, cut some branches in the middle to let the sunshine in.
- Height: If your tree is too tall and hard to pick fruits from, you can cut the very tall branches a bit.
- Shape: Think of giving your tree a haircut. You want it to have a nice shape that looks good but is also easy to pick fruits from.
Special Mention: The Fig Tree
If you have a fig tree, there’s something special you should know. Fig trees have a milky sap that can be irritating to your skin. So, when you prune a fig tree, make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves. This will keep the sap off your skin.
After Pruning
Once you’re done pruning, give your tree some love. Water it, and maybe even give it some compost or fertilizer. This will help it heal and grow strong.
- Remember: Pruning is like giving your tree a check-up at the doctor’s. It might be a bit scary at first, especially when you’re cutting big branches. But, it’s all for the good of the tree. And with practice, you’ll get better and better at it.
Key Takeaways
Every fruit tree is unique, just like people. Some might need a lot of pruning, and some might need just a little. The important thing is to pay attention, learn as you go, and always do what’s best for your tree. So, put on those gloves, grab your pruners, and show your fruit tree some love!