Thanksgiving Day was celebrated somewhat differently for all of us this year due to the challenges of the Covid-19 virus. Onward we go, however, as we move forward into the winter months and the trees enter their dormancy. Expected snow this week will lower the ground temperatures and thus encourage the trees to become dormant. With dormancy, comes the task of pruning. We expect pruning to be a somewhat lengthier process this year because with no measurable fruit the trees’ production was in the formation of branches and sprouts. Quite a bit of unneeded and unwanted branches and sprouts create more time consuming pruning measures. Trees need to be “opened up” so air, sunlight and chemical applications can benefit the fruit on the interior branches. Bacteria and insects are constant predators to tree fruits and both will take advantage of any opportunity to “attack” anything that is not protected. Overgrowth in the trees keeps fruit protection at a minimal level.
So soon, the pruning equipment will be taken out to the older parts of the orchard and work will begin. Right now, maintenance of the equipment is underway and the compressors and pruners are getting a thorough check. Hydraulic hoses are being replaced and engine tuneups are being conducted. Nothing is more aggravating than a breakdown once pruning is underway.
Not only actual cutting of unwanted growth will be conducted this year but there will be removal of trees as well. Over the past several weeks there have been heavy and damaging winds in this area. Heavy winds and rain wreck havoc in an orchard. Trees can be uprooted if the soil becomes too wet and caught in cross winds. At times, we can salvage the tree by pulling it back in place and staking it with metal posts. With a little bit of luck the roots reestablish themselves and the tree continues to grow. There are other times though, that a complete uprooting occurs and then nothing can be done to salvage the tree. Heavy cross winds will also twist and snap the trees at the point of the graft and there is no other option than to haul it away and pull out the stump. A tree broken off at the graft will not regrow.
According to the calendar, this year is winding down but we consider pruning as the actual beginning of another season. So, onward we go!