In order to understand what tree pruning is all about and how it works, you need to understand how fruit trees are grown. As an orchardist, the first thing you should be aware of is the fact that your tree and what it produces consists of two parts. Since most fruit trees have been grafted, the roots belong to a tree that produces mediocre quality fruit while the top end is from a good fruit bearing tree which has been transplanted.
Grafting is the most efficient way to produce a large number of good quality fruit trees. This being said fruit trees which have been grown from seed rarely resemble their parent tree. Once you have a healthy fruit tree, the next step is to prune it properly to improve fruit production.
Initial tree pruning
To start things off you should trim any bare rooted trees when planting them. While trees that are grown in a small lump of soil or in a pot may not need a cutback, for bare rooted trees which have been dug recently cutback is important because some of their roots may have been damaged. Many mail order plants are often sold bare rooted, and so unless you have gotten specific instructions that the tree has been pruned already it’s up to you to prune the top and the roots at the time of planting.
Bare rooted pruning technique
First of all, start by cutting all the broken roots or ones with jagged edges so that they all heal smoothly. You then cut away the top slightly so that it is equal to the surface of the roots. You should cut back fruit trees that have no side branches by a third. So, for instance, if a tree is six-feet high, you should cut it back two feet at the very least. The cut should be on a slant right above the bud.checkout more tips at http://www.freshplaza.com/article/168773/Bad-weather-shrinks-Hungarys-fruit-production-by-1-3
If your tree has branches cut the weak ones or the ones that look dead, broken to very close to the ground. Then you should cut the top by a third and every healthy and strong limb by a third too. Make sure to cut each limb to an outside bud so that the new branch grows towards the outer side making the tree spread outward as opposed to inward (in the direction of the trunk).
Note: The directions above are for new trees only. You also shouldn’t neglect other aspects like soaking bare rooted trees for hours in water once they arrive, planting them in the correct depth and using high quality soil.
Tree Pruning during its first year
Some snipping and lots of pinching will save you from extensive pruning a few years later. Every time you trim and snip off a bud try to visualize how the tree will look once it matures. All pruning during the first year should be focused on shaping the tree by keeping the branches sparse so that the fruit produced ripen. Some trees tend to require more shaping than others. Apple trees like and Wealthy will grow in the right shape without much pruning.read post here!
However, other varieties like Yellow Transparent and Delicious will grow yet form unevenly. If these are left uncorrected they will break under the heavy load of fruit.
Tree pruning is an art and science. It often takes years to fully master the art of pruning, so if you do not have the time to master this art you can hire a team of professionals to handle it for you. This will ensure professional pruning which yield the most fruit in the long term.
