The Latest Method and Technical Points for Bark Scraping of Fruit Trees in Winter

Generally, some arbor-type fruit trees are planted, and their trunks are relatively thick and strong, with a lot of old bark. Usually the old bark does not fall off on its own. Therefore, bark scraping can be done in winter. Bark scraping also has many benefits for tree growth, so most fruit growers scrape the bark of fruit trees in winter. So how exactly do you scrape, and what specific methods are there for bark scraping? Let's take a look right away at how to scrape the bark.

1. Purpose of bark scraping

Generally, fruit growers scrape the bark of pome fruit trees that have grown for more than ten years, such as pears and apples; trees that have not reached that age cannot be scraped. However, 8-year-old grapes can be scraped. Generally, young trees are not scraped; scraping rashly will affect the growth of fruit trees and can easily inhibit their growth. Bark scraping is meant to eliminate insects and pathogens overwintering in the bark, and to stimulate bark renewal. Trees in their prime have very good growth vigor and generally do not need bark scraping.

2. Time for bark scraping

The time for bark scraping is during the dormant period, when sap is not flowing, generally from after the fruit trees lose their leaves to before they sprout the following year. That is roughly between November and February of the following year. During this period, the fruit trees do not sprout and do not grow. Bark scraping is generally done in autumn and winter, and generally should not be done in summer, nor during the growth and fruiting periods.

3. Bark scraping method

Now you can buy specialized bark scraping tools. Not only the trunk, but also the main branches, side branches, and auxiliary branches all need bark scraping. However, the younger and more tender branches above cannot be scraped, and fruiting branch groups cannot be scraped, as this affects growth and the nutrient supply to the branches. The scraping depth is until the red inner bark is visible, then you can stop. Generally, only the rough outer bark needs to be removed.

4. Disinfection treatment

After bark scraping, promptly sweep up the scraped bark debris under the tree, as well as some dead branches and dead leaves. Sweep them all out of the orchard together, and then burn them. This ensures that the insects and pathogens are eliminated. Then, to protect the trunk and prevent cold and freezing damage, whitewashing is needed. Use lime, salt, soybean cake slurry, add water and vegetable oil, and mix them well together. Finally, add lime sulfur mixture and spread it evenly on the trunk.

Bark scraping of fruit trees has certain benefits for old trees that have reached a certain age, but for trees that have not reached that age, it will have an impact. Pay attention to the timing and method of bark scraping, and do not scrape the bark at will.