Fruit-bearing trees need specific care if they are to produce high-quality fruit and grow into a strong structure. Here at Five Star Tree Services, our highly trained arborists are well versed in the care and pruning of assortments of fruit-bearing tree species. We also have a few tips to help you understand the proper way to trim your fruit-bearing trees.
Fruit Bearing Tree Pruning Goals
There are a few goals to target when pruning fruit trees. You should be aiming to encourage the production of fruit. Also, you should train the tree to grow in a desirable shape. Trimming also helps to ensure sunlight penetrates the canopy and air circulates properly.
Fruit-bearing trees should be trimmed towards the ends of winter or in the very early part of spring while it is still dormant. This schedule ensures that your tree doesn’t get dried out. It also reduces the risks of branch damage. Typically, the best time to prune is just before the branches sprout buds.
How to Prune
When you prune your fruit trees, there are important steps to follow. The first step is to get rid of any deadwood. Next, you should remove any branches that are diseased or malformed. When you go to shape your fruit tree, make sure you craft a shape that helps with production and picking. Horizontal branches often bear the most fruit. Every time you cut a tree it creates a wound so make sure to cut with purpose. If you need help our Richmond Hill tree pruning team of experts are only a phone call away.
Anatomy of a Fruit Tree
The short branches that produce fruit are called spurs. Make sure to pay attention when you prune your tree that you leave enough spurs for good production, but not too many that the tree would be overloaded. Spurs tend to form on the older parts of the tree as opposed to new branches.
Learning which part of the tree is new and which is older will help you understand which areas are safe to cut and which to avoid. The growth that occurred in the last year that looks like a tall shoot is called a sucker. These growths won’t generate fruit and in fact, will take nutrients away from the fruit-bearing limbs.
Important Factors for Healthy Trees
The structure and quality of the soil also play a role in the health of your trees. Keeping other plants away that may compete with your fruit tree will also increase production. Before planting a fruit tree, make sure you live in an ideal climate for the species. It is also important to secure a proper location. Lastly, help prevent disease by using horticultural oil on your fruit tree every spring.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help With Pruning
Pruning your fruit trees in the spring will help them stay healthy and grow larger amounts of crops in the fall season. If you are interested in learning more about general tree care, pruning or if you need help managing a larger grove, our arborists at Five Star Tree Services can help. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more.