Early spring is the time when the trees are still dormant, but are already preparing to awaken. It is now, before the sap starts to flow, that you need to have time to prune.
Many are afraid to pick up a pruner, thinking that they will harm the plant. But if you do everything correctly, the trees will thank you with thick foliage and a generous harvest.
The main rule
The main rule is to remove everything that gets in the way: dry, damaged branches, as well as shoots growing inside the crown. They create shade, interfere with ventilation and become a breeding ground for diseases.
Use a sharp tool for the job: dull blades leave jagged cuts that take a long time to heal.
After pruning, be sure to cover the wounds with garden pitch or a mixture of clay and mullein - this will protect against infections and speed up healing.
If you don’t have any wax on hand, mix melted beeswax with vegetable oil (2:1) to get a natural putty that won’t crack in the sun.
An interesting nuance
Stone fruit crops (cherries, plums) are pruned before the buds swell, and apple and pear trees can be shaped even at the beginning of sap flow.
But don’t get carried away – remove no more than 1/3 of the crown at a time, otherwise the tree will experience stress.
If you need to rejuvenate an old apple tree, stretch the process out over 2–3 years. And don’t forget about the cutting angle: remove branches “to the ring,” leaving no stumps, and shorten the side shoots above the bud facing outward.
For thick branches, use a pruning saw rather than pruning shears to avoid kinks.
After cutting, clean the cut area with a knife so that the surface is smooth - this will reduce the risk of rotting.
Lifehack for beginners
Before pruning, wipe the blades with alcohol to avoid infection. And if you're afraid of overdoing it, imagine the crown as an umbrella.
The branches should be arranged in tiers, allowing light and air to pass through.
After work, feed the trees with ash or compost - this will help them recover. Sprinkle a glass of ash around the trunk circle and lightly dig it into the soil.
Or prepare an "energy cocktail": pour 1 kg of nettles into 10 liters of water, add a couple of handfuls of bread crusts and leave for 3-4 days. Water the trees at the roots - they will quickly gain strength.
Pruning is not just about harvest
A beautifully formed crown will become a decoration of your garden! For example, for ornamental shrubs (lilac, hydrangea), use gentle pruning, removing only faded inflorescences and weak shoots.
And if you want to create a shady arch, direct the branches of fruit trees along the trellis.
And don't rush to throw away the cut branches - they can be shredded and used as mulch or added to compost. Just make sure they don't show signs of disease.
An important point
After pruning, do not water the trees with cold water. Use liquid warmed in the sun so as not to shock the roots.
And keep an eye on the weather - if frost is predicted, cover the cut areas with burlap.
Remember: a tree, like a person, needs rehabilitation after an "operation". Give it attention, and the result will exceed expectations!
Author: Igor Zur