Fruit tree pruning is a practice that is carried out to modify the natural behavior of plants, with the aim of regulating production throughout the life of the plant, avoiding alternations in production and balancing the plant, defining a fruit load that can qualitatively favor production. Pruning is not a simple operation; in fact, there are specific techniques and a very precise timetable for each type of fruit tree.
In this article we will explore the main pruning techniques, providing some tips on the right ways for each time of year.
Why is pruning necessary?
Pruning is one of the indispensable interventions in the care of fruit plants, as it brings many benefits:
- It keeps the tree in full health.
- Promotes flowering and fruiting.
- It helps the plant grow harmoniously.
- It ensures constant productivity by adjusting the quantity of fruit to the actual productivity of the tree.
- It makes the plant stronger and less susceptible to attack by diseases and pests.
- It optimizes light and air penetration, making the plant more oxygenated.
- Makes the tree more robust and stable in weather conditions
- It renews old branches with new branches that will continue their development, also reducing the effects of senescence.
What is the best way to prune fruit trees?
To prune a fruit tree first, it is essential to know the plants you are working on and always respect their natural shape, identifying the main branches and getting guidance. In addition, it is good to prune fruit trees regularly to encourage abundant and consistent production over time.
Another very important caution to have concerns theage of the plant; in fact, any pruning must respect its stage of development:
- Young specimens: training pruning is carried out to promote even growth with strong, well-spaced branches capable of producing quality fruit. At this stage, pruning speeds up the plant’s entry into production.
Breeding pruning can also be followed during the same period, with the aim of directing the tree toward the desired shape.
- Adult specimens: branch cutting adjusts the balance between vegetative and productive activity. Called production pruning, it serves to optimally redistribute sap to the most fruit-bearing parts to improve fruit quality.
- Older specimens: these are the most delicate to pruning, so it is best to do light work and small cuts to avoid injuring the tree, which would struggle to heal. This is called rejuvenation pruning.
Pruning techniques
There are also numerous pruning techniques for fruit trees. Let us see which ones are most commonly used:
- Branch harvesting: stimulates vegetative branch production and new shoots.
- Branch thinning: some branches are selectively removed.
- Checkering: excess shoots are removed.
- Spurring: consists of a shortening cut, which leaves a branch with 2/3 buds, called a spur.
- Topping: the apical shoot of the branch is removed.
- Suckering: fruitless suckers that take resources away from productive shoots are removed.
Following the right techniques is essential, as improper cutting of branches can cause injury to the bark, endangering the health of the plant.
What is the best time to prune fruit trees?
Another crucial factor in successful pruning is choosing the time of year to do it. Depending on the tree species, the best time for pruning may vary, but it is generally recommended to prune pome fruit trees in late winter or spring and stone fruit trees in summer.
The most suitable time for pruning depends on the technique used; however, spring and summer pruning operations are common. Pruning operations are also carried out during winter, as cuts heal better and the risk of infection decreases. However, it is essential to consider the geographical area and specific local climatic conditions.
So, the best time to prune fruit trees tends to be during vegetative rest, such as winter. During this time, nutrients are stored in the roots, and then flow into the branches in spring.
The role of the pruning period in the choice of techniques
As much as pruning is an important operation for the well-being of plants, it remains a stressful time. For this reason, it is essential to choose the most suitable techniques, carefully evaluating each factor. Among these, the period in which pruning is carried out is one of the determining elements, since it affects the choice between two main techniques:
- Dry pruning: this is done during the plant’s vegetative rest period and allows the loss of sap from the cuts to be contained, healing quickly with spring recovery. This technique makes it possible to limit the possible proliferation of insects or pathogens on the plant. Included in this type are training and production pruning, which we discussed earlier.
- Green pruning: this is done in late spring or summer, when the plant has already begun its vegetative activity. With this technique, both dry branches and parts that are no longer productive are removed, as well as living parts of the plant, such as apices, branches and shoots. Green pruning allows greater exposure of flowers and leaves to sunlight. In addition to this, it contains vegetative development and regulates plant growth, allowing for better fruit yield.
How Plantvoice drives agricultural decisions
Understanding when to prune fruit trees is of primary importance to keep the plant healthy and allow for good productivity. Since the best time varies depending on multiple factors (species, age, temperature, stress), it is important to “listen” to the plants’ needs to optimize agricultural operations such as pruning.
Plantvoice ‘s patented technology can make a difference in carrying out this operation, as it allows farmers to monitor crops in real time, alerting them live to the plant’s needs. It is a smart, minimally invasive graft that is inserted into the plant’s stem and collects physiological data such as salinity and sap flow, allowing timely intervention if needed.
Here are some of the benefits offered by Plantvoice‘s plant-friendly sensor:
- Monitors crop quality, health and plant stress levels in real time.
- Saves up to 40 percent of water, fertilizer and pesticides.
- It maximizes production yield.
- Automates the management and control of fields through an app and control panel.
With the use of technologies such as Plantvoice, farmers can plan pruning more effectively, respecting rest periods and avoiding damage, ensuring sustainable and productive crop management.
