Pruning Techniques for Fruit Trees

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of pruning pear trees?

To promote only vertical growth

To create a vase-shaped tree with an open center (correct)

To remove all lateral branches

To increase the height of the tree

How many scaffold branches should be aimed for when training a pear tree?

Three to five (correct)

Eight to ten

Six to eight

One to two

What should be done with vigorous shoots that compete with secondary scaffolds during the first dormant season?

Leave them untouched

Encourage their growth

Prune them lightly

Remove them (correct)

Which technique should be used when pruning peach and nectarine trees in their first and second years?

Removing terminal buds of short shoots Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended height to head a cherry tree when planting?

18 to 24 inches Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with vigorous shoots during the third and fourth years of peach tree development?

Head the most vigorous shoots Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of excessive pruning of young trees?

Reduces overall growth Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an established tree's pruning needs?

Minimal pruning is required Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal approach when heavy pruning is required?

Spread the pruning process over a two- or three-year period. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk of excessive nitrogen application in trees?

Decreased fruit quality due to excessive vegetative growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which method should be used to reduce shading in trees?

Perform heading cuts on upper horizontal branches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of heading when cutting a limb or shoot?

To increase the number of new shoots and stiffen branches Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended height for head back young peach or nectarine trees?

18 to 30 inches. Signup and view all the answers

What cutting angle is recommended when performing heading cuts?

A 45-degree angle Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of cutting with an angle that is too steep?

It increases healing time and can lead to water accumulation Signup and view all the answers

What should not be done once a tree's framework has developed?

Head back the tree. Signup and view all the answers

When should thinning cuts be used?

To reduce the number of new shoots and direct growth Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of severe pruning on fruit quality?

It can lead to poorly colored and soft fruit. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration when selecting a branch for thinning?

The diameter of the branch should be at least one-half that of the branch to be removed Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of shading does a 20' tall tree produce?

24% Signup and view all the answers

Which cutting technique is characterized by reducing the number of new shoots?

Thinning Signup and view all the answers

What can excessive vegetative growth due to nitrogen cause in fruit?

Cork spot or bitter pit due to calcium deficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of improper head cutting?

Leads to excessive new shoot growth Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does properly performed heading cuts provide to branches?

They help in maintaining the structural position of branches Signup and view all the answers

What is the best time to prune hedges before they leaf out?

In spring, before leaves appear Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hedges can withstand severe pruning?

Yew Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended height for young trees or shrubs when establishing a deciduous hedge?

One to two feet Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is suggested as the best all-around option for trimming hedges?

Traditional scissor-action hedge shears Signup and view all the answers

Why might electric trimmers be less effective on certain hedges?

They may jam on thick twigs. Signup and view all the answers

During the first two years of hedge growth, what is the recommended action in terms of pruning?

Prune off half of the new growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the desired shape for a well-maintained hedge?

Wider at the base than the top Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to hedges in very poor shape after pruning?

Replace them Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of frequent trimming on a plant's growth?

It prevents the accumulation of lower leaves. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to do before new growth begins?

Trim the plant before it grows. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of trimming on the top of a plant?

It hinders the plant's tendency to accumulate snow. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is suggested to improve plant health?

Trim before new growth begins. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent hindered growth?

Performing trim too late in the season. Signup and view all the answers

How does frequent trimming influence lower leaves?

It helps prevent shading of lower leaves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of trimming a plant's top?

It results in a rounded top. Signup and view all the answers

What does trimming do regarding leaf accumulation?

It reduces the overall accumulation on the plant. Signup and view all the answers

A spur is a type of shoot that typically bears flower buds and often fruit laterally.

False Signup and view all the answers

Water sprouts are undesirable long shoots that usually grow on the lower side of horizontal limbs.

False Signup and view all the answers

Pruning can help produce larger flowers and fruit by reducing the amount of wood on a plant.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sanitation in pruning includes eliminating healthy wood to prevent disease spread.

False Signup and view all the answers

It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.

True Signup and view all the answers

Thinning out a shrub can limit the penetration of light and air, potentially encouraging disease.

False Signup and view all the answers

Most flowering shrubs bloom on the growth from the previous year.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cutting wood infected with disease should be done in infected wood to ensure thorough removal.

False Signup and view all the answers

Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of origin from the parent stem.

True Signup and view all the answers

A chainsaw is most appropriate for pruning live plant material.

False Signup and view all the answers

Using tools for cutting wires is recommended while pruning.

False Signup and view all the answers

A lateral side branch can be removed by cutting back to an intersecting branch.

True Signup and view all the answers

Bow saws work effectively in densely branched plants.

False Signup and view all the answers

Keeping cutting edges sharp is not necessary for tool maintenance.

False Signup and view all the answers

When cutting back to a vigorous bud, it is important to leave a stub over the bud.

False Signup and view all the answers

There are three types of cuts in pruning, including heading cuts and thinning cuts.

False Signup and view all the answers

Scissor-action shears typically cost less but make cleaner cuts than anvil-cut shears.

False Signup and view all the answers

Lopping shears are only capable of cutting branches up to one inch in thickness.

False Signup and view all the answers

Pole pruners can be dangerous if cutting materials overhead due to falling debris.

True Signup and view all the answers

Aluminum poles for pole pruners are heavy but do not conduct electricity.

False Signup and view all the answers

Folding saws are typically safer to use than fixed-blade saws because of their portability.

False Signup and view all the answers

Saw blades can be designed in a curved shape.

True Signup and view all the answers

Anvil-cut shears do not require the blade to slide past another blade when cutting.

True Signup and view all the answers

Using a saw for delicate work on small shrubs and trees is advisable.

False Signup and view all the answers

Pruning is primarily done to increase the size of a shrub.

False Signup and view all the answers

Balled and burlapped (B&B) shrubs require significant pruning immediately after planting.

False Signup and view all the answers

Thinning cuts help in maintaining a shrub's height and width.

True Signup and view all the answers

To rejuvenate an old shrub, one should remove two-thirds of the oldest branches.

False Signup and view all the answers

Spring-flowering shrubs bloom on the current season's growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

Gradual-renewal pruning involves cutting a few of the oldest branches back to slightly above ground level each year.

True Signup and view all the answers

Hand pruning shears, loppers, or a saw should be preferred over hedge shears when pruning shrubs.

True Signup and view all the answers

Pruning should be done randomly to ensure an even growth pattern in shrubs.

False Signup and view all the answers

Yews need to be sheared only once annually.

True Signup and view all the answers

Slow-growing plants should be trimmed when new growth is more than five inches long.

False Signup and view all the answers

Faster growing evergreens should be sheared before new growth exceeds two feet.

False Signup and view all the answers

Photinia may need to be sheared every four to six weeks.

True Signup and view all the answers

Plants that accumulate snow require rounded forms.

True Signup and view all the answers

Frequent trimming hinders a plant’s natural growth tendency.

True Signup and view all the answers

Shearing is only necessary during winter for most evergreens.

False Signup and view all the answers

Trimming faster growing plants is not recommended during new growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

A lopping shear can cut material one-inch in diameter without effort.

False Signup and view all the answers

Scissor-action shears are generally more affordable than anvil-cut shears.

False Signup and view all the answers

Pole pruners can be operated with the help of a long piece of cord.

True Signup and view all the answers

Folding saws are safer when used without any securing mechanism.

False Signup and view all the answers

Wooden poles for pole pruners are typically lighter than aluminum poles.

False Signup and view all the answers

Anvil-cut shears have two sharp blades that slide past each other.

False Signup and view all the answers

Saw blades can only be manufactured in a straight configuration.

False Signup and view all the answers

When using pole pruners, the risk of falling material is minimized by cutting at eye level.

False Signup and view all the answers

Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and stiffen the branches.

True Signup and view all the answers

Thinning cuts increase the number of new shoots and direct growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

When performing heading cuts, cutting with a flat angle prevents water from collecting in the cut.

False Signup and view all the answers

For a successful thinning cut, the branch diameter should be at least one-half that of the branch to be removed.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cutting with an angle that is too steep can enhance healing of the cut area.

False Signup and view all the answers

Proper branch selection is crucial when making thinning cuts to ensure directed growth.

True Signup and view all the answers

Water sprouts are beneficial long shoots that promote growth on the lower side of horizontal limbs.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sanitation in pruning includes sterilizing tools after each cut to prevent disease transfer.

True Signup and view all the answers

Removing fruit developing on the central leader helps maintain vigor in the tree’s center.

True Signup and view all the answers

Scaffold branches should be kept at a 90° angle from vertical to ensure proper growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

Thinning cuts are more invigorating than heading cuts.

False Signup and view all the answers

It is advisable to spread scaffolds only during the first growing season.

False Signup and view all the answers

Heavier pruning should always be done to the lower portions of a tree.

False Signup and view all the answers

Good light exposure is essential for the development of flower buds and fruit quality.

True Signup and view all the answers

Water sprouts are desirable shoots that promote vigorous growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

After three years, upper scaffolds can be shortened using heading cuts.

False Signup and view all the answers

Fruiting limbs of trees do not arch under the fruit load.

False Signup and view all the answers

Water sprouts arise from the lower side of fruiting limbs.

False Signup and view all the answers

Minimally pruning evergreen shrubs at planting time is sufficient for their growth.

True Signup and view all the answers

Japanese plum trees should not have one-year-old shoots thinned.

False Signup and view all the answers

Selecting scaffold limbs with narrow crotch angles is crucial for sweet cherry trees.

False Signup and view all the answers

Deciduous shrubs bloom on wood that was formed during the previous year.

True Signup and view all the answers

Pruning can help produce smaller flowers and fruit by increasing the amount of wood on a plant.

False Signup and view all the answers

Prune evergreen shrubs and trees primarily in late winter.

True Signup and view all the answers

Thinning out is the best way to prune most mature evergreen shrubs.

True Signup and view all the answers

Shearing evergreen shrubs is typically recommended to achieve a more informal appearance.

False Signup and view all the answers

Removing only the healthy wood during sanitation pruning is advised to prevent disease spread.

False Signup and view all the answers

Most flowering shrubs bloom on the wood from the current year.

False Signup and view all the answers

Water sprouts are desirable long shoots that grow on the lower side of horizontal limbs.

False Signup and view all the answers

Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of origin from the parent stem.

True Signup and view all the answers

Pruning can help produce larger flowers and fruit by increasing the amount of wood on a plant.

False Signup and view all the answers

Chainsaws are the best tool for pruning live plant material.

False Signup and view all the answers

Hedges are plants set in a row so they merge into a solid ______.

linear mass Signup and view all the answers

The best all-around tool for trimming hedges is traditional scissor-action ______.

hedge shears Signup and view all the answers

Heading involves cutting off part of a ______ or limb.

shoot Signup and view all the answers

In the first season, you should prune off half of the new ______ to encourage growth.

growth Signup and view all the answers

Rejuvenating evergreen hedges is more ______ compared to deciduous ones.

difficult Signup and view all the answers

When removing upward-growing limbs, make ______ cuts.

slanting Signup and view all the answers

Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and ______ branches.

stiffen Signup and view all the answers

The lower branches of a hedge should be wider than the top to prevent ______.

shading out Signup and view all the answers

Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots and ______ growth.

direct Signup and view all the answers

Electric trimmers often break and tear twigs, making them less effective on ______ varieties.

large-leafed Signup and view all the answers

Occasionally, hedge plants in very poor shape may not recover and need to be ______.

replaced Signup and view all the answers

An angle is good if the branch diameter is at least ______ that of the branch to be removed.

one-half Signup and view all the answers

To induce low branching when establishing a deciduous hedge, cut plants back to ______ inches.

six to eight Signup and view all the answers

Thinning out a shrub can limit the penetration of ______ and air.

light Signup and view all the answers

It is advisable to ______ pruning tools after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.

sterilize Signup and view all the answers

Cutting wood infected with disease should be done in ______ wood.

infected Signup and view all the answers

Reasons for pruning can be grouped into four general categories, including training a plant, maintaining plant health, improving the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage, and ______.

stems Signup and view all the answers

Pruning should begin during a tree’s first growing ______.

season Signup and view all the answers

Excessive pruning can reduce plant size and does not aid in ______.

survival Signup and view all the answers

Contrary to common belief, it is not necessary to prune away one-third of a tree’s top growth to compensate for ______.

root loss Signup and view all the answers

Most flowering shrubs bloom on the growth from the previous ______.

year Signup and view all the answers

Sanitation in pruning includes eliminating healthy wood to prevent ______ spread.

disease Signup and view all the answers

Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of ______ from the parent stem.

origin Signup and view all the answers

It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools after each ______ to avoid transferring diseases.

cut Signup and view all the answers

You risk making a poor cut and/or damaging the ______ when using tools improperly.

shears Signup and view all the answers

Scissor-action shears have a thin, sharp blade that slides closely past a thicker, but also ______, blade.

sharp Signup and view all the answers

Lopping shears can cut material one-half inch in ______ even at the lower price range.

diameter Signup and view all the answers

Pole pruners have a hooked blade above and a cutting blade ______ for effective pruning.

beneath Signup and view all the answers

Poles made of fiberglass or a plastic compound are probably the ______ option for pole pruners.

best Signup and view all the answers

Operators should wear head and eye protection when using tools that involve cutting ______.

overhead Signup and view all the answers

Saw blades can have either a straight or ______ design, affecting their cutting function.

curved Signup and view all the answers

A fixed-blade saw with a ______ scabbard is considered safer for cutting tasks.

leather Signup and view all the answers

Espaliering originated in ______ and Italy about 400 years ago.

France Signup and view all the answers

Fruit trees trained in the espaliering fashion should be on ______ rootstock.

dwarfing Signup and view all the answers

The easiest espalier system is a horizontal ______.

cordon Signup and view all the answers

Young shade trees may not need much ______ to develop a good framework.

pruning Signup and view all the answers

Training to a four-tier cordon or four-wire ______ is relatively easy.

trellis Signup and view all the answers

To ensure healthy new growth, cut back when it reaches ______ to 12 inches in length.

10 Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the fourth season, fruit trees should be producing ______.

heavily Signup and view all the answers

Do not prune the scaffolds’ ______.

terminals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heading & Thinning

Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and stiffen branches.
Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots and direct growth.

Tree Shading

The shaded area increases as tree size increases.
The tree shape also influences the shaded area.

Pruning Mature Trees

Use thinning cuts to improve light penetration.
Remove upper horizontal branches to prevent shading other parts of the tree.
Remove water sprouts.

Peach and Nectarine Trees

Train young trees in a vase shape.
Head back young trees to 18 to 30 inches at planting time.
Select two to three scaffold branches evenly spaced around the tree.

Pear Trees

Train pears to have multiple leaders with three to five main scaffold branches.
Avoid excessive pruning of young trees.

Cherry Trees

Head the tree about 18 to 24 inches above the ground at planting.
Head all shoots 24 to 36 inches after the first and second year's growth.

Hedges

Choose young trees or shrubs one to two feet high.
Cut the plants back to six to eight inches to induce low branching.
Trim hedges before new growth begins to shade lower leaves.
Traditional scissor-action hedge shears are the best tool for trimming hedges.

Pruning Techniques

Sanitation: Prune dead, dying, or diseased wood to help prevent the spread of disease and insects.
Water sprouts: Remove vertical shoots that arise from the trunk or major limbs. These shoots are undesirable as they compete with healthy growth.
Thinning: Remove an entire shoot or limb where it originates. This allows light and air to penetrate the plant, improving growth.
Heading cuts: Reduce overall plant size by one-half or more.
Thinning cuts: Used to maintain a shrub’s desired height and width. Remove the oldest and tallest stems first.
Gradual-renewal pruning: Cut a few of the oldest and tallest branches back to slightly above ground level annually.
Rejuvenation pruning: Remove one-third of the oldest, tallest branches at or slightly above ground level before new growth starts.

Tools

Pruning shears:
- Scissor-action shears: Thin, sharp blade slides past a thicker, sharp blade. Provides a cleaner, closer cut.
- Anvil-cut shears: Sharpened blade cuts against a flat blade.
Lopping shears: Long handles operated with both hands.
Pole pruners: Long handles, operated by pulling down a cord.
Saws:
- 8-point saw: For delicate, close work on small shrubs and trees.
- Fixed-blade saw: Safest type.
- Folding saw: Blades can fold while in use, which can injure the operator.
- Pruning saw: Good for branches with no obstructions.
- Bow saw: Good only where no obstruction exists for 12 inches or more above the area to be cut.
- Chainsaws: Not suitable for pruning live plants. Best for removing trees and cutting firewood.

Pruning for Flowers, Fruit, and Foliage

Increased flower and fruit size: Pruning reduces the amount of wood and diverts energy into production of larger flowers or fruit.
Shrub blooming: Most flowering shrubs bloom either on last year’s growth or new growth.

Caring for Tools

Clean and oil tools regularly: Wipe an oily cloth on blades and other surfaces.
Sharpen cutting edges: Use a good oilstone.
Maintain tool handles: Paint, varnish, or treat with linseed oil.

Hand Shears

Two types of hand shears: scissor-action and anvil-cut
Scissor-action shears have a thin, sharp blade sliding past a thicker blade, resulting in cleaner cuts.
Anvil-cut shears are sharpened blades against a flat blade.

Lopping Shears

Longer handles and operated with both hands
Can cut materials up to 1/2” in diameter

Pole Pruners

Pole pruners have a hooked blade above and a cutting blade beneath
Available in both manual and electric versions
Can be dangerous, so wear head and eye protection
Material cut overhead may fall on operator unless it is caught in other branches

Saws

Saw blades can be straight or curved
Curved saws are more efficient at removing limbs

Heading & Thinning

Heading cuts increase new shoots and stiffen branches
Increases the number of new shoots, and stiffens branches
Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots, and direct growth

Pruning

When pruning, make slanting cuts for limbs growing upward
This technique reduces the accumulation of water in the cut and promotes faster healing
Keep scaffolds at a 60 degree angle

Fruit Trees

Train fruit trees to the modified leader system
Fruiting limbs tend to arch under the fruit load

Shrub Care

Prune both deciduous and evergreen shrubs in late winter before new growth starts.
Thinning is the best way to prune most mature evergreen shrubs
Some evergreens can be sheared for a formal look

Deciduous

Prune deciduous shrubs soon after they bloom
This allows vigorous summer growth, producing flower buds for the next year

Evergreen

Most evergreen trees and shrubs are sold B&B or in containers
Evergreen trees require little pruning at planting time

Reasons for Pruning

Pruning can be divided into four categories: training, health, quality, and growth restriction.
Training involves shaping the plant, encouraging desired growth patterns
Maintaining plant health involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches
Improving quality includes enhancing flowers, fruit, foliage, and stem strength
Growth restriction aims to limit plant size and shape

Pruning Terminology

Heading: Cutting back a shoot or limb, increasing new shoot production and stiffening branches
Thinning: Removing entire branches, lessening new shoot growth and redirecting growth
Espaliering: A training technique used to create a structured flat plane of growth, often applied to fruit trees

Pruning Tools

Hand shears: Used for small branches, come in scissor-action (bypass) or anvil-cut styles.
Lopping shears: Have long handles, used for larger branches, good for cutting branches up to 2 inches thick depending on the wood.
Pole pruners: Have a hooked blade and a cutting blade on a pole, operated by pulling down a cord, useful for high branches.
Saws: Used for thicker branches, come in straight or curved blades, handle sizes vary for different cutting tasks.
Hedge shears: Used for trimming hedges, traditional scissor-action shears are preferred for clean cuts.
Electric trimmers: Can be less precise and may damage twigs compared to hand shears, work best on thin-leafed hedges.

Basic Pruning Techniques

Cut just above a bud: This directs growth in the direction the bud is facing.
Cut at a 45-degree angle: This allows for proper drainage and healing.
Cut back to the collar: This is the area just above the branch where the bark flares out, it helps to minimize disease and decay.

Shade Trees

Prune young shade trees minimally to encourage natural growth.
Mature shade trees are typically pruned for shape and size.
Pruning is usually done in spring before leaf emergence.

Fruit Trees

Prune after transplanting to remove damaged branches, but avoid excessive pruning.
Prune new growth during the first growing season
Fruit trees are often trained using espalier techniques for increased fruit production in a confined space.

Shrubs

Minimal pruning is recommended for most shrubs, especially after transplanting.
Over-pruning can reduce plant size and hinder survival.
Proper selection and management are key to developing a strong framework for shrubs.

Hedges

Hedges should be trained from the beginning to achieve a desired shape.
Select young plants with multiple stems.
Cut plants back to 6-8 inches to encourage dense branching.
Trim hedges in the late first season or before bud break in the second season.
Start shaping in the third year, ensuring the base is wider than the top.
Proper selection and management are essential for achieving a desirable hedge shape.

Rose Bushes

Roses require regular pruning to promote flowering and maintain a healthy plant.
Pruning techniques vary depending on the rose type.
Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages continued flowering.

Vines and Ground Covers

Vines and ground covers often require minimal pruning to manage growth and keep them contained.
Pruning can help in directing growth and maintaining a desired shape.

Importance of Tools

Choose the proper tools based on the size and type of branch being cut.
Use sharp tools for clean cuts to minimize damage and disease risk.

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Description

This quiz covers essential pruning techniques for various fruit trees, including peach, pear, and cherry. Learn about heading and thinning cuts, tree shading, and the proper shaping of young trees to promote healthy growth. Test your knowledge on these vital horticultural practices.