Pruning is one of the most important apple tree care procedures. Together with the application of fertilizers, cutting the tree contributes to its longevity and the maintenance of high yields. A detailed scheme for pruning apple trees for beginners will simplify the work.
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The importance of trimming and optimal timing
Often in the gardens there are old apple trees that have never been pruned. Gardeners do not pay enough attention to pruning work, which leads to lower yields. To solve problems, you have to remove the largest shoots, which negatively affects the condition of the tree.
The main functions of trimming include the following:
- Maintaining optimal height.
- Maintaining an attractive crown shape.
- Strengthening shoots.
- Improving frost resistance.
- Improving the quality of fruits.
- Increased yield.
- Anti-aging effect.
- Stimulation of a longer and more intense fruiting.
- Providing abundant lighting for the tree.
- Facilitate maintenance and harvesting.
- Cutting out old, diseased and damaged branches that are of no use.
If you adhere to the apple tree pruning scheme for beginners, the crop yield will constantly grow.
In addition, the lack of timely cutting can cause such a problem: the number of fruits will be large, but their size will be small. Without optimal lighting, apples will not be able to acquire the required sweetness. When growing in shaded areas, the culture will be exposed to parasites, and the energy supply will be directed to the formation of useless shoots.
When choosing the timing for pruning, it is necessary to take into account the varietal characteristics and climatic conditions in the region. Some gardeners adhere to the position that the procedure should be performed in the fall, while others are supporters of a spring haircut.
That being said, pruning in the spring has several important advantages. According to the scheme, it must be performed immediately after the start of sap flow and activation of the defense mechanisms of culture.
Autumn work must be done on time. Choosing the wrong timing and pruning the plant too late will prevent open wounds from healing before the frost sets in.
Instrument preparation
In order for the apple tree to be clipped safely, it is important to prepare the right tools. Old tools with a blunt cutting edge are ineffective and can damage crops. Among the necessary tools for trimming:
- Ratchet secateurs. With their help, branches with a thickness of 20 mm can be removed.
- Simple pruning shears for cutting young branches.
- Garden saws. They are designed to remove thick shoots that cannot be cut with a secateurs.
- Garden knives. Used for cleaning wood or bark.
If the diameter of the slices is less than 10 mm, they are not subjected to additional processing. In this case, open surfaces with a large area require covering with oil paint or clay with mullein.
Do you know how to properly prune apple trees?
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Read about how not to prune trees in the following article:How not to prune a fruit tree