While the days are cold, there is still plenty to do outside in the garden to get ready for spring. February is an excellent time to prune fruit trees. At this time of year the cold temperatures limit disease likelihood, and with the foliage dropped it's easy to see the tree’s structure. Proper pruning is a vital part of pest management that people often overlook. Opening up the canopy and increasing airflow can help decrease both disease and insect problems. Pruning can seem intimidating to gardeners, but really the worst part of pruning is picking up the sticks off the ground!
Pruning changes the form and growth of a plant, to promote healthy trees, focus the tree growth up and out. This will increase air flow, drastically cutting down on disease and insect problems that may occur due to having too thick of a canopy. Limit pruning of bearing apple trees to the removal of weak, unproductive branches to improve light penetration and distribution, reduce tree height, and improve spray coverage.
|
|
|
- Start by removing any excess growth, including water spouts and suckers. These are most likely to occur where prior branches have been removed, and at the base of the tree.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches that may have broken due to winter’s snow and ice.
- Remove branches that are rubbing on each other or crossing. These wound points can be an entrance for disease and insect problems during the growing season.
- Remove any growth that is pointing downward.
- Don’t let upper branches grow out longer than the lower branches, as this shades and limits productivity.
|
Take note, large established trees cannot always be pruned into submission; over pruning will stimulate too much growth and lower fruit production. Avoid topping trees; removing large branches can leave stubs that can cause several health problems. It also destroys the plant's natural shape and promotes suckering and the development of weak branch structures.
Use tools that are designated for pruning, keeping them sharp, clean and sanitizing in between cuts.
Use the right tools for pruning
Using the correct pruning tools can make the task easier and less overwhelming. Keeping tools well-maintained and sharp will improve their performance, and clean cuts are better for overall tree and shrub health. There are many tools for pruning, but these are the most popular:
|
- Pruning shears are arguably one of the most important tools, they handle cutting anything roughly up to 3/4 inches in diameter.
- Lopping shears are a larger version of pruning shears with long handles for leverage, they can cut branches up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
-
Hedge shears are meant only for pruning hedges, nothing else. They usually cut succulent or small stems best.
- Hand saws are designed for cutting branches over 1 inch in diameter. Many types of hand saws are available, choose one that is easy for you to work with ease.
-
Pole saws allow for extended reach with a long handle, but they must be used carefully.
- Chain saws are available for use on larger branches. Operators must wear protective clothing and exercise caution when using them.
|
Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
|
|
|
| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
|
|
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
3365 W Brewster St None | Appleton, WI 54914 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| | |
|
|
