By removing the apex of the plant, we induce branching by releasing Apical Dominance
Decapitating a plant causes it to branch, but it also slows vertical growth.
Extreme pruning causes dwarfing = Bonsai
Shoots pruned almost weekly
Roots pruned twice per year
3-D Pruning = Topiary
Mickey Mouse, etc.Hedges
Pruning must be careful!Dense Branching occurs where pruning is heaviest
Cube-->Table
with twiggy legs
Sphere-->Mushroom
with twiggy legs
Rather than perfect cubes and spheres
think pyramid and hemisphere!
Pruning (thinning) also increases:
- Air Movement
- Sun Exposure
- Production (more photosynthesis, less fungi)
Pruning for form in fruit trees
Central Leader | Open System | Modified |
|---|
Espalier - 2D pruning to a wall or a fence
Pear production in Russia on cyclone fencing
Decorative forms:
Simple U
Multiple U
Belgian Fence = Lattice pruning form in 2D with GRAFTS at crossings.
Living Fences need little to NO maintenance!
Grape Vines
What Do I Remove When I Prune?
- Anything not fitting form
- Weak crotches (leave strong ones ~90 )
- Vertical branches on horizontal limbs
- Crossing branches
- Diseased wood
- Dead wood
- Excess flowers or fruits (avoid competition = plums)
ethylene agent mechanical shakingBurn or Landfill all prunings!
Pick up and destroy all dropped fruits!
AVOID DISEASE AND PESTSDO NOT REMOVE FRUITING SPURS!!
When do I prune?
- Fruit trees, Grapes, Fruit shrubs February each year
- Flowering trees, flowering shrubs After Flowering 1/yr
- Hedges, Topiary, Espalier, Bonsai As needed (weekly!)
- NEVER prune August-September (winterkill)