Apple Winter Pruning Technique Tutorial: A Detailed Explanation of the Latest Winter Pruning Methods
In the process of cultivating apples, winter pruning is one of the important regulatory measures. By improving winter pruning, fruit growers can shape the tree form, balance tree vigor, improve aeration and light penetration, and also increase next year's yield and quality. So how should apple trees be winter pruned? Let's find out together.
1. Pruning time
The winter pruning time for apples is after leaf fall and before bud break. At this time, the apple tree is in a period of growth stagnation. Pruning at this time causes relatively little weakening to the tree body and gives a better renewal effect, making it an important period for apple tree shaping. However, apple pruning should also vary from tree to tree. Winter pruning can be carried out according to tree age in three types: young trees, trees in the initial fruiting stage, and mature trees.
2. Pruning of young trees
Pruning of young trees is mainly carried out according to the principles of giving priority to light pruning, placing equal importance on shaping and fruiting, and promoting early yield increase. All the main branches on the central leader can be pruned off from the base to stimulate new sprouting, so that the branch age of the trunk is lower than that of the central leader and the dominance of the central leader is maintained. In the second year, remove the main branches at the base that are too thick, and do not touch the remaining branches.
3. Pruning of trees in the initial fruiting stage
After young trees have been planted for 5-8 years, they enter the fruiting stage. For trees in the initial fruiting stage, pruning is mainly aimed at clearing dense large branches between layers and improving the plant's light conditions, so that the fruiting site gradually transitions to the scaffold branches. Dense areas should be cleared 2-3 times each year, and the clearing needs to be completed within three years. After several years of clearing, the small-crown sparse-layer form retains 5 main branches and 1-2 auxiliary branches, while the free spindle form needs to retain 10-13 main branches.
4. Pruning of mature trees
Pruning of mature trees aims to improve light conditions, improve branch quality, and increase yield and quality. Therefore, the focus of pruning is to thin out over-dense branches and trunks above the second layer in batches, so that large branches above the second layer extend outward and have sufficient light. If the canopy is too tall, the head should be lowered according to the plant's growth vigor, so that the plant height is below 3.5 m. At the same time, vigorous branches, crossing branches, whorled branches, and water sprouts should also be pruned off. After pruning, keep more branch forks and small branch forks. After pruning, attention should be paid to applying healing agent to prevent pathogens from invading through the wounds.
The above is an introduction to apple winter pruning techniques. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.