With the beginning of spring, the time to care for fruit trees and shrubs begins in garden plots. Proper crown formation promotes the growth and development of the tree and increases its productivity. Spring is the best time to prune apple trees. It is important to process the branches so as not to harm the tree.
When should you start pruning apple trees in the spring?
Fruit bushes and trees are pruned before the sap begins to flow in the shoots. The most successful period is in the middle and end of March, as well as in early April. If the procedure is carried out later, the plant will not have time to recover, will be sick and will not bear fruit well.
Apple trees are processed gradually. If you remove many old branches at once, this will provoke rapid growth of young branches. Strong crown density will negatively affect fruiting.
Basic Rules
When forming the crown of apple trees in the spring, the following rules are taken into account:
- Old, dried out and weak branches that do not bear fruit are removed. It is also necessary to shorten the central trunk and branches by one third. This will allow natural light to reach the lower branches.
- Young growth on the trunk is cut off. This will allow the food to be properly distributed throughout the tree. Branches whose growth is directed towards the middle and downwards are eliminated.
- To carry out the procedure, a disinfected and well-sharpened instrument is used.After work, the garden pruning shears must be treated again to avoid transferring the fungus to other trees.
- The branches should be cut at an even angle, leaving a small stump. It is advisable to cover the cut or cut area with oil paint or plasticine.
- When processing young apple trees, the side shoots are cut off gradually to form a stable central stem.
After processing, apple trees must be fed with nutrients.
Rejuvenation, shaping and sanitization
There are three main types of spring pruning of fruit trees: formative, rejuvenating and sanitary. The choice of type depends on the age of the trees and the time of year.
Rejuvenating
On old apple trees that are already bearing fruit, it is necessary to carry out rejuvenating pruning in the spring. This will increase their life expectancy. This type of pruning should be carried out within three years. During this time, the apple tree will completely restore its fruit-bearing functions.
Formative
In the first two years after planting an apple tree, it is necessary to properly form the trunk and crown. A seedling planted in the fall must be pruned in the spring to form a trunk. Subsequent procedures are carried out 3-5 years after rooting. A beautiful, well-groomed crown accelerates the onset of flowering and fruiting.
Sanitary
Sanitary treatment of apple, pear, cherry or plum trees is carried out annually. Its purpose is to remove damaged, dried, frozen and disease-affected branches. This treatment of bushes and trees is carried out at any time of the year at a stable positive air temperature.
In order for apple trees to always be healthy and produce large fruits, they must be looked after in a timely manner. Spring pruning is a mandatory process that has a positive effect on the development of fruit plants.
