Pruning fruit trees correctly: Expert instructions

Anyone who loves their fruit trees knows that they need to be pruned regularly. Proper pruning is important for he alth and yield. We'll show you how.

The correct way to prune a fruit tree depends on many different factors. The requirements of different species for the perfect cut are very different. But it is definitely desirable to cut the fruit trees in your own garden in the right way. Because on the one hand, the harvest and the he alth of the tree can be increased, and a respectable growth habit of the tree can be maintained.

Fruit trees: when to prune?

The question of all questions is when is the right time to cut the fruit tree. Again, no general statement can be made for all fruit trees. First you should know what kind of fruit tree it is:

• stone fruit, such as cherry trees (sweet cherry: Prunus avium, sour cherry: Prunus cerasus ), peach trees (Prunus persica), plum trees (Prunus domestica), mirabelle trees (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca)
• Pome fruit, such as apple trees (Malus), pear trees (Pyrus), quince trees (Cydonia oblonga)

In general, fruit trees undergo either winter pruning (January to early April) and/or summer pruning (July to August). The two types of patterns categorized by season are characterized by the following:

• Winter Pruning:
  Since the tree is free of foliage, you have a good view of all branches. The winter pruning has a growth-stimulating effect on the tree and is therefore particularly suitable for weakly growing fruit trees. In addition, the cut can be made in the winter when there is little work. The disadvantage is that the cut wound takes a relatively long time to grow over with a protective layer.
• Summer pruning:
  In contrast to winter pruning, the cuts grow quickly with summer pruningback to. In addition, the growth of fast-growing fruit trees can be slowed down, since they are deprived of leaf mass that is essential for their growth (which is relevant for the photosynthesis processes). Therefore, the summer cut is particularly useful when a strong winter cut is followed by strong new growth. This can then be thinned out by one to two thirds in summer. Due to the full foliage, however, it can be difficult for a practiced eye to skillfully judge which branches should give way and which should not.

For stone fruit varieties, it is generally the case that they tolerate summer pruning better after or during the harvest. With pome fruit such as apples and pears, it makes sense to find a he althy balance between summer and winter pruning in order to achieve perfect growth.

Pruning fruit trees: When is it allowed?

When pruning in the garden, nature and the law must be taken into account. For example, to protect the breeding season of birds, the Federal Nature Conservation Act stipulates that no radical pruning may be carried out between March 1st and September 30th. Form and care measures - i.e. the classic hedge trimming or even the fruit tree trimming - are permitted. However, special municipal regulations, which can occur, for example, due to the presence of a protected animal species, must be observed.

Conclusion: The shaping and caring fruit tree pruning can be done at any time, even in summer. However, specific special regulations may have to be observed depending on the municipality.

Pruning fruit trees in frost

When pruning in winter, it can be unavoidable to also prune the fruit tree when there is frost. However, this is not a problem as long as temperatures do not drop permanently below -5 °C.

In order to close the wound, it is important to cut the trees on a dry day so that not too much moisture and with it fungal spores or other pathogens are not carried into the freshly cut wound.

Pruning young fruit trees

Even with young trees, the pruning can decide whether the later growth of the tree will be successful or whether it will later end in a nightmare. Therefore it is important to already during theplanting of fruit trees with the optimal fruit tree pruning.

Pruning

The first cut of the tree takes place with the planting. In addition to the shape that gives growth, this cut is also extremely important for successful growth. Fruit trees are mostly planted in the form of bales and the cutting out robs the tree of roots that are responsible for the appropriate supply of water and nutrients. The pruning ensures a balanced relationship between crowns and root mass. The main drive is shortened. Side shoots are thinned out (vertical shoots especially) and those that remain are also shortened (at a height but slightly lower than the main shoot).

Pruning of young fruit trees

In order to steer the growth of young fruit trees in the right direction, regular training pruning is required after successful planting. Important decisions must first be made and suitable branches must be defined as so-called leading branches. Branches that are neither too horizontal nor too vertical are suitable for this. He althy and strong branches should of course be preferred as leading shoots. These are shortened at the top during the annual training cuts. In addition, the following pruning measures must be observed for the important training pruning of young fruit trees:

• Cut out vertically growing side shoots completely from the main branch
• Clearly thin out the shoots growing inwards into the tree
• Do not shorten the side shoots that remain on the main branch

Pruning old fruit trees

At some point the training pruning of young trees is complete and they have reached their main growth form. From now on, it is important to subject the tree to regular pruning. The golden rule here is: Do not remove or shorten all of the one-year-old wood. This would let the growth of the tree get out of control and cause too much new growth. Therefore, when pruning, it is particularly important to remove those branches and side shoots that hinder other shoots from developing too much.

Pruning fruit trees: The right tool

There are many different tools available for pruning fruit trees. Includedit is above all personal preference and handling that should decide on the selection. However, it is important that pruning shears, saws and the like are always sharp in order to achieve the smoothest possible cut surface or wound on the tree. This makes it easier for the fruit tree to overgrow the cut surface. Here is an overview of suitable tools for pruning fruit trees:

• Secateurs:
  Suitable for thin, easily accessible branches; easy handling; However, thicker branches quickly lead to bruises
• Pruning Shears:
  Also good handling for easy-to-reach, somewhat thicker branches
• Pruning saw:
  Good for thicker branches that have to give way when trimming out
• Telescopic saw:
  Good for passionate fruit cutters who don't like to climb ladders; ideal for high branches that are otherwise inaccessible

These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:

• Felco Secateurs: Top-of-the-line manual pruning shears, pruning shears, recommended for all types of pruning. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil.
• Felco Fruit Tree and Pruning Shears: Heavy duty fruit tree and pruning shears with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
• Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortlessly cutting tall trees and dense bushes from the ground.

Felco Orchard And Secateurs No 6€31.99Details →

Pruning apple trees and other fruit trees correctly

At the beginning we already realized that fruit trees are not just fruit trees. Depending on the type, there are specific requirements for the optimal cut. So have a look at our articles on the detailed pruning measures for each fruit tree species:

• Pruning apple tree
• Pruning pear tree
• Pruning cherry tree
• Pruning peach tree
• Pruning plum tree