It’s been a good break in routine but the holidays are now over and it’s that time of year to get back into the orchard and start the annual pruning. If there is one particular question that we are often asked, it usually is concerned with the pruning process. Other than a few basics, it is difficult to advise how to prune a tree without seeing it, as all trees are different and need individual assessment.
Pruning shouldn’t be thought of as a deep, dark mystery and no one should be fearful about pruning fruit trees. After learning basic principles and a step by step process to follow the end results will be “fruitful.” It is good to keep in mind that light pruning will not harm your fruit tree but a tree that is neglected will over time become a poorly shaped tree with too much overgrowth and will not produce a good fruit.
Pruning is most commonly done during the winter. This is the time of season that we pull out the pruning equipment and set it up in the orchards to begin. We still prune by hand, meaning we assess each tree and use pneumatic hand pruners to remove excess growth, broken limbs and unwanted branches. Our purpose is to shape the tree properly, allow sunlight, air and chemical applications to reach the fruit. We try to “open up” the tree. Fruit trees can not be shaped like a shrub for if it is, fruit production will suffer.
There are three systems of pruning, the central leader system, the modified central leader system and the open center system. We use the central leader system in our orchard. When we plant our new trees is the time we actually initiate this system. We maintain one “leader” to provide good balance and form. This system provides one main “leader” which becomes the largest, and strongest part of the tree from the trunk to the tip of the tree. The horizontal branches coming out from the trunk are left to grow and these become the branches on which the fruit grows. Sometimes these horizontal branches are referred to as “scaffolding” branches
We prune in the winter months because the trees become dormant. Trees store carbohydrates and other nutrients in their wood and root systems during the winter. With the arrival of warmer temperatures in spring, the carbohydrates become activated and they move to the growing points of the trees. When trees have been pruned in winter, excess growing points have been removed. So with less buds on the tree, there is more stored energy available to the remaining buds. Winter pruning, consequently, promotes more vigorous tree growth and fruit production.