Having a fruit tree in your garden is wonderful, but looking after and maintaining it takes a bit of work, especially if you are looking to enjoy the yield. Pruning is necessary for any fruit tree if you want to increase the fruit production of the tree. Also, pruning prevents the tree from facing a trauma of having bigger branches cut.
Pruning involves removing the dead branches and all branches and stems that are diseased. This facilitates growth of the fruit buds and ensures that they stay healthy. There are primarily 2 ways to prune a fruit tree. You have the choice of pinching of the soft unwanted tissue, or you can use pair of pruning shears to trim the branches. Either way is beneficial for the tree and ensures that the tree is prevented from further damage.
The new growths in a tree occur around a region called the meristem. When the meristem is exposed to sunlight, it helps the roots penetrate deeper into the soil. Due to pruning, the dormant lateral buds are removed and the tree gives rise to new shoots. In addition, trimming the branches will help you design the shape of the tree and also control the size. Additionally, getting rid of branches that are unproductive helps in reducing attacks from diseases and pests.
The best time to prune fruit trees is during the dormant season, which usually falls between the months of November and March. Even in the first year, a fruit tree should be prune. When the tree has no side shoots, trim the branches to the buds. When the tree has side branches, then shorten their lengths to ensure that the upward growing buds get access to the sunlight. In the second year of the tree's life, concentrate on trimming the branches that are lower down and facing inwards. This will expose the buds facing outwards.
