Chokeberry is a branchy, highly spreading shrub. It grows quickly and easily, so it periodically requires pruning. Today I will tell you in detail how to carry out this procedure correctly.
Pruning rowan in autumn
This plant grows strongly and requires careful pruning after 4-5 years from the moment of planting. Since only shoots of the 7th year of life are fruitful, it is important to correctly carry out this event.
I recommend starting it in the fall, as soon as the entire crop has been harvested and the leaves have completely fallen. I choose a dry day without precipitation from September to October. I make sure that at least 14 days remain before the onset of frost, the mountain ash has time to adapt and does not freeze.
Pruning methods
There are several ways to trim, depending on:
- the age of the plant;
- the general condition of the shrub;
- the number of fruiting branches.
Formative pruning
I recommend starting this procedure starting from the second year of the plant's life. Since the first bush is actively building up the underground part, and pruning it only injures.
In the process of formative pruning, I advise you to adhere to the following scheme:
- In the 2nd year after planting, choose up to 5 of the strongest and most promising shoots, cut them off at the same level, at about a height of 45 cm.
- In the 3rd year - 4 strong shoots from the root growth and shorten them to the same level.
- On the 5th - add 5 more branches of root growth, make them the same length with the previous ones.
This is how the crown is formed from 15 fruitful shoots.
In subsequent years, I leave 15 branches of different ages. I completely remove 7-year-old shoots, replacing them with new ones.
Thus, I form a crown so that all branches are well ventilated and receive a sufficient amount of light. The result is abundant fruiting, a crop with high palatability.
Anti-aging pruning
Required for plants over 10-15 years old. The purpose of the procedure is to increase the quantity and quality of the harvest in mature bushes.
I recommend rejuvenating pruning in several stages, removing no more than 1/3 of the crown volume for each season. So the plant will tolerate the procedure easier and adapt faster.
In the fall, before the onset of frost, I cut off 1/3 of the branches at the root. For the next season, another 1/3. After the third pruning, the old crown is completely renewed with new, strong, young shoots, which actively bear fruit for another 3 years. Then the procedure can be repeated.
Sanitary
I carry out this procedure for all fruit shrubs, including chokeberry, exclusively in the fall. So the plant will more easily endure the winter period, wake up faster in the spring and begin to actively bear fruit next year.
In the process of sanitary pruning, I delete:
- dry branches;
- improperly growing (inside the crown or those that rub and injure other shoots);
- broken;
- with signs of decay, various diseases, damage by insect pests.
I also remove side shoots.
I try not to leave stumps as they can become a source of fungal disease. The procedure is carried out with an exceptionally sharp, well-disinfected instrument. I close the cut with a garden pitch.
I start the event on a dry day.
The nuances of trimming
In the process of pruning, I pay attention to the following factors:
- Signs of old branches: bark growing in patches and small knobby growths.
- I cut the diseased branches to the very base. I disinfect the cut with potassium permanganate and close it with garden pitch.
- I remove at least 20 cm in length, since a slight pinching stimulates the active build-up of green mass around the cut.
Adhering to such simple rules for pruning chokeberry, I get a healthy, strong plant that pleases with its abundant harvest from year to year.
Read also: Top dressing of apple trees in the fall: what fertilizers are best to apply to get a good harvest next year
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and LIKE if the article is useful!
#chokeberry#pruning#autumn