How to prune a cherry tree? A detailed explanation of the latest methods
Cherry is a fruit that is currently very expensive on the market but has very good sales. Cherries on the market now generally cost more than thirty yuan per jin, and some even sell for over ninety or a hundred-plus yuan per jin. So in the process of growing cherries, if you want high yield and high quality, pruning the fruit tree is indeed a very important matter. Below let us take a look at how cherry trees are pruned.
1. Pruning of young trees
When pruning young cherry trees, our main purpose is to promote the growth of its branches and trunk and form a complete tree shape. For newly planted cherry trees, we generally prune some excess side branches, messy branches and water sprouts on its main trunk. At the very beginning, we keep only the first-level main trunk branches to promote the growth of the first-level branches. When they have grown to a certain extent, we then pinch off the growing tips and top them to promote the growth of the second-level branches, and then gradually cultivate the lower-level branches. Finally, prune the crown into a natural open-center shape, free spindle shape, small-crown sparse-layer shape, or slender spindle shape.
2. Pruning of fruiting trees
1. Spring pruning
Spring pruning of cherry trees is actually mainly about removing the newly sprouted branches and leaves and flower buds of the cherry tree, keeping only a small portion of robust new buds to cultivate into new fruiting mother branches or reserve branches. Secondly, cherries generally ripen in spring, so in order to reduce nutrient consumption, we need to reasonably pinch off the growing tips. At the same time, precisely because cherries ripen in this season, we should not only reasonably thin flowers and fruits, but also try to prune lightly, otherwise it will harm the cherry tree and affect its fruit yield.
2. Summer pruning
Generally by summer, the cherries have basically all been harvested, so we need to carry out a new round of pruning and orchard cleanup. At this stage, we mainly twist the newly grown shoots of the cherry tree, which can effectively use space, increase the number of fruiting mother branches, and will not affect the airiness and light penetration of the crown. In addition, it is necessary to reasonably thin branches, removing branches and leaves that are growing too densely on the fruiting mother branches, and effectively control the number of new shoots. It is also necessary to scientifically shorten branches, cutting back some branches on the main and lateral scaffold branches of the cherry tree to cultivate them into small and medium-sized fruiting branches.
3. Autumn pruning
After cherry trees enter September, the growth rate of new shoots will decline, while the tender leaves at the top of the cherry tree will keep growing, so in order to avoid nutrient consumption, we need to prune off the tender leaves of the current year's branches and leaves, which can reduce nutrient consumption and promote the growth of fruiting mother branches and flower bud differentiation. Secondly, we also need to thin out branches and leaves that are growing too densely to enhance the airiness and light penetration of the crown. Finally, remember that after pruning it is best to take preventive measures and spray agents that promote healing, so as to avoid infection.
4. Winter pruning
When winter comes, we first need to shorten some branches and leaves of the cherry tree, which can enhance the growth ability of new branches. Secondly, the strong fruiting mother branches also need appropriate light shortening and pruning, which can increase the number of fruiting branches and also control the growth of new branches. In addition, the one-year-old cherry tree branches should be moderately shortened, mainly pruning the extended branches of the third-level trunk. Finally, when necessary, carry out heavy shortening and renewal pruning, which is very beneficial to cherry trees and can prevent them from aging.
The above is the full introduction to cherry tree pruning methods. If you want to learn more detailed pruning techniques, you can leave a message below to consult the editor.