During June to August every year, fruit trees grow vigorously with dense branches, disturbing their shape and consuming a lot of nutrients. Summer pruning can improve the crown's light exposure, promote branch maturation, support weak branches, and balance nutrient distribution within the tree. Below are the six key points of pruning fruit trees in summer:
-
Pinching
Pinching is usually done in August to September. This method involves cutting off the tender parts of new shoots, leaving 20 centimeters long. After the second shoot emerges, trim it again, leaving 20 centimeters. For young trees, you can pinch off the shoot tips with your fingernails. Pinching helps in the complete lignification of branches, making them robust, enhances photosynthesis in fruit trees, facilitates early maturation and enlargement of leaves, promotes flowering and fruiting, adjusts branch growth to cultivate fruitful branches, helps fruit trees withstand severe cold, and ensures safe wintering.
-
Twisting Shoots
Twisting shoots can be done simultaneously with pinching. This method involves twisting semi-lignified branches (20-30 centimeters long) in the opposite direction of their growth. It is essential to gauge the flexibility of the branches properly and twist them slowly to prevent breakage. This method helps in accumulating photosynthetic products in the tree, controlling excessive growth of new shoots.
-
Bending Branches
Bending branches refers to making vigorous new branches grow in left, right, or downward directions under external force. They can also be tied to other branches or bent into a circular shape without breaking them. This method alleviates the dominance of the tree's top, suppresses branch growth, optimizes space utilization, improves light conditions, stimulates the growth of short branches, strengthens photosynthesis, and promotes flower bud formation.
-
Girdling, Ringing, and Reverse Grafting
Girdling involves stripping a ring of cambium from branch tips. Ringing refers to cutting a ring of cambium without stripping the bark. Reverse grafting involves flipping and reattaching the peeled bark to its original position. These measures are taken during the growing season to control overly vigorous branches, aiming to inhibit growth temporarily, halt nutrient downward transport temporarily, increase fruit set rate, or promote flower bud differentiation.
-
Removing Excessive Growth
Removing excessive growth not only increases light exposure and improves the tree's ventilation and light transmission capabilities but also reduces unnecessary nutrient consumption, enhances photosynthesis, and increases nutrient accumulation in trees. This method involves cutting off excessive growth neatly, completely removing the shoots without leaving stumps to avoid stimulating new growth.
-
Defoliation
Defoliation is generally done in September. It involves thinning out excessively dense leaves, ensuring not to remove leaves too high on the tree. Defoliation improves light exposure within the fruit and crown, enhances fruit coloration, promotes flower bud formation, and helps fruit trees enter dormancy early.
Above are the six key points of pruning fruit trees in summer. Pruning in summer should be done appropriately. Excessive pruning can weaken the tree, damage it, and affect flowering and fruiting. Planters should grasp the above points.
Pruning Fruit Trees in Summer: FAQs
What is pinching in summer pruning?
Pinching involves cutting off the tender parts of new shoots, leaving about 20 centimeters long. This process helps in branch lignification, enhancing photosynthesis, and promoting early fruiting.
When should twisting shoots be done?
Twisting shoots can be done simultaneously with pinching, usually in August to September. This method controls excessive growth of new shoots.
How does bending branches benefit fruit trees?
Bending branches redirects vigorous growth and optimizes space utilization, improving light conditions and promoting the formation of flower buds.
What are the techniques involved in girdling, ringing, and reverse grafting?
Girdling involves stripping a ring of cambium from branch tips, while ringing refers to cutting a ring of cambium without stripping the bark. Reverse grafting involves flipping and reattaching the peeled bark to its original position.
Why is it essential to remove excessive growth?
Removing excessive growth increases light exposure, improves ventilation and light transmission capabilities, reduces unnecessary nutrient consumption, and enhances photosynthesis.
When should defoliation be performed?
Defoliation is generally done in September to thin out excessively dense leaves, promoting better light exposure, fruit coloration, and early dormancy.
What are the risks of excessive pruning in summer?
Excessive pruning can weaken the tree, cause damage, and negatively impact flowering and fruiting.
How can growers ensure effective summer pruning?
Growers should carefully follow the recommended techniques for each pruning method and avoid over-pruning to maintain tree health and productivity.
Can summer pruning help fruit trees withstand harsh weather?
Yes, summer pruning can help fruit trees better withstand severe cold by promoting lignification of branches and enhancing overall tree resilience.
What are the long-term benefits of proper summer pruning?
Proper summer pruning can improve tree structure, fruit quality, and overall productivity over the long term, leading to healthier and more resilient fruit trees.
