A Detailed Guide to Precautions for Autumn Pruning of Cherry Trees
Cherries have a very large market demand in China, are welcomed by many people, and are grown over a relatively wide area. When growing cherry trees, we need to do a good job of pruning according to the changes of the seasons. This is especially true in autumn; autumn pruning has a very big influence on the growth of cherry trees the following year, and there are also many points that require our attention. So what precautions are there for autumn pruning of cherry trees? Let's take a look below!
1. Smooth cut
When pruning cherry trees, we must be sure to keep the cuts on the branches smooth enough. Generally, a surface of about 45 degrees should be kept with the bud at the cut. You should start cutting downward from the opposite side of the bud, while keeping the slanted cut surface level with the tip of the bud at the cut. In this way, the wound surface can be reduced as much as possible, the healing speed can be improved, and at the same time the growth rate after the bud sprouts can be maintained. Finally, for the cuts left by thinning out branches, they should be cut off at the branching point, and no stub may be left behind.
2. Sectional work
When pruning cherry trees in autumn, we should adjust the pruning method according to the tree shape and tree age of the cherry tree. For example, when pruning branches and trunks, we should mainly use the sectional work method. First, we should position about 20cm above the pruning saw cut. Saw a cut from the lower end of the branch upward, keeping the depth at about half of the branch. Then saw the branch off from the upper end, leaving a stub, and finally cut off the stub from the previous saw cut. In this way, splitting of the branches and trunk can be effectively prevented.
3. Flat saw cuts
When pruning, in addition to keeping a smooth cut, we should also pay attention to making the saw cuts flat enough. Because after pruning, it is inevitable that there will be some rainy days and other bad weather. If the saw cuts are not flat enough, then after being exposed to rain they are prone to rot, and are also easily infected by pathogens, causing various diseases and insect pests. So after sawing a cherry tree, we should promptly use copper sulfate solution and the like to disinfect the saw cuts. Then apply an appropriate amount of protective wax and other protective agents to the saw cuts. This can not only prevent the saw cuts from rotting and drying up, but also increase the healing speed of the saw cuts.
4. Pruning time
The autumn pruning time for cherry trees also requires our close attention; generally, autumn pruning of cherry trees should be done after September. Because at this time the new shoots on the cherry tree have basically stopped extending, and growth is in a semi-stopped state. The cherry tree will not react too strongly to pruning, but there will still be some tender green parts growing at the tips of the new shoots, consuming excess nutrients. Therefore, we should pay attention to cutting them off in time to save nutrients. However, because every fruit grower has their own management habits, and the conditions of every orchard are somewhat different, the specific decision on whether to prune and when to prune should still be made according to the actual situation.
The above is a brief introduction to the precautions for autumn pruning of cherry trees. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!