Young Apple Before Pruning |
One of the more popular posts on this blog is the one dealing with fruit tree pruning. Nothing beats a handson training when learning the trade. To that point Dave Kessler, ag agent for Marion County, has organized a fruit tree pruning demonstration for March 22nd in Marion County. Call the Marion County Extension office at (270) 692-242 for times locations and details.
General rules when it comes to any pruning are as follows:
- Start by removing any damaged branches
- Next remove anything that crosses another branch
- Now remove all water sprouts (fast growing straight up branches) and the majority of the interior small branches
- Finally you will make cuts that increase air flow, incrase spacing for future hanging fruit and sunlight penetration and overall form.
- An apple, and pear will be pruned to a central leader, while a peach, plum, cherry, and others will be more open and vase shaped.
Young Apple After Pruning |