time
The ideal period for pruning small fruit trees extends from the end of February to March. In early spring the wood is in the resting phase. The flow of sap begins later, so that interventions are easily put away. If there is a risk of frost at this time, postpone the pruning date to April to May. You must not wait too long before the operation, because the trees grow worse if they are cut too late and hardly develop any fruit.
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particularities
Peach trees should only be pruned in spring. Sweet cherries are usually cut right after the cherry harvest in summer. For apple and pear trees, the period extends from late summer to early autumn. No pruning measures are recommended after August, because then the tree prepares for hibernation. Cuts can no longer heal sufficiently in autumn.
How to cut properly
Dwarf fruit trees require regular cuts, although these are less intense than their tall relatives. The goal is a crown with the branches pointing away from the trunk. Side ramifications are desirable because they increase flower formation. A tapered cut ensures that the crown appears loose and that all branches are optimally supplied with energy. With this measure you maximize the fruit yield.
It is important to note that
In the case of fruit trees, only those parts of the branches are supplied with nutrients that end up being dormant eye feature. Such dying areas represent a gateway for pathogens and pests. Therefore, the correct cut is of great importance.
Basic rules:
- always cut directly above a bud
- Only trim the leading branches as soon as the desired branch thickness has been reached
- Fruitwood spare, even if the appearance suffers as a result
Tips
Cut the main shoot for the first time at a size of 100 centimeters. That promotes the side growth.
Taper cut
Remove all branches that cross or stand parallel and disturb the overall picture. Specimens that are directed towards the inside of the crown or that grow steeply upwards are undesirable. Cut off excessively long side branches at their base and cut off dead, old and diseased shoots close to the trunk or into the healthy part. Shorten all young shoots by one or two buds.
Good to know
There is a reason that dwarf fruit trees remain so small. They are refined on a base. The lower trunk area is responsible for the growth of the grafted vines. Spindle trees often sit on poorly growing roots. Thanks to this base, these specimens are limited to a height of three to four meters. Refinement points show up as thickenings in the trunk area and must not be cut off.
