Pruning Fruit Trees: Here's What You Should Know

Pruning fruit trees is a must if you want to yield a full, productive crop from yearto year. It's necessary not only for your trees' health, but it can result in a longerlife span and fruit-bearing period, when done correctly.Multiple steps are involved with pruning fruit trees, and it starts with learning about the tools required, the basic steps, types of cuts and more.Prepare Your ToolsHave your shears sharpened before youattempt any pruning. A dull blade will only damage the wood and injure the tree. Keep tools free of rust by storing them in a clean, dry area.Maintenance PruningDeadwood should be removed first. You also should prune any damaged sections, along with all areas that have visible disease.Also prune offshoots that begin at the base of the trunk. These will only suck the nutrients from the upper branches and limit fruit production. All watersprouts, the straight growth growing upwards, should be removed, but it is best to do so over several years (30% per year), to avoid stressing the tree and to help ensure more growth.Types of CutsOne of the main types of cuts is thinningcuts, which remove branch offshoots back to where they originate from the parent branch. Thinning is useful when a fruit tree has too many branches - so many that the available nutrients are spread too thinly.Bench cuts are more dramatic. These are cuts to branches growing straight up, done so they can begin to grow outwards. Branches that grow in a lateral direction bear more fruit.Maximum Light = Maximum ProductionWhen pruning a fruit tree, it is vital to remember that making cuts to maximize the amount of sunlight on all fruit-bearing branches should be your main goal. Branches that get ample sunlight are less likely to develop disease, as well.Most pruning should be done on the upper half of the tree in order to eliminate shade and encourage fruit production. Also concentrate more on outer tree growth, making sure that the main portions of all fruit-bearing branches are getting the most nutrients.Additionally, make sure to always makeclean cuts and never leave a stub. This will help the tree heal faster and more cleanly.Hire a professional if pruning fruit trees falls outside your skill set - your trees will thank you for it. With professional advice, you are assured of a bountiful harvest in the fall!Jen Stott is a writer and blogger, and works as the Content Director at Be Locally SEO in Salt Lake City, Utah.Do you know the basic steps ofpruning trees?Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jen_Stott/2109812