If you have a peach, apricot or stone fruit tree, Did you know that its size is not the same as that of other fruit trees? It’s true, these have some particularities that you need to know in order to carry out the most appropriate maintenance. But, when is stone fruit tree pruning done? And what is needed? Is there anything different from other sizes?
If at this moment you have doubts about whether you are doing it correctly or not, we give you the keys to make sure.
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The purpose of pruning stone fruit trees
Have you ever wondered why you prune trees? What is often thought is that it is done to control its growth and ensure that it does not end up invading places where you do not want it to be. Other times to clean it up. But, in the case of stone fruit tree pruning, there is actually a much bigger goal.
When to Prune Stone Fruit Trees the reason to remember is none other than obtaining a better quality fruit. It’s not that she’ll yield more, or that she’s the right size for your garden, but that the fruit she bears, whether large, medium or small, is of very high quality.
In other words, may the fruits you reap from these trees taste like glory. And that, believe it or not, is not as easy as it seems.
It is true that the first pruning, when you plant it and it starts to grow, is to form the tree, causing it to have an open structure and that it grows in width, not in height. For this reason, in young specimens it is normal to use wire or the like to guide the branches and shape them.
Moreover, at that time, it is normal that it does not bear fruit, or that they do not have the expected quality because it is not their time. But all this will influence the future.
When is the pruning of stone fruit trees
If you have stone fruit trees, know that time to prune It’s not the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s winter.
Now, several caveats should be made.
And that’s it, if where you live the temperature in winter is quite low, there are frosts and even the possibility of snowthe best thing to do is to delay it until late winter so it doesn’t affect the health of the tree.
If, on the other hand, the climate you have allows mild winters, then yes, prune in winter.
Apart from this pruning, you should know that a second takes place in the summer. This is called “green pruning” and its objective is to eliminate from the tree the shoots that suck the energy of the plant, that is to say the suckers (which come out on the branches and on the trunk, even on the roots). If they are eliminated, the energy will flow properly. And when is it done? Well, in June and July, which is when they come out the most.
Types of Stone Fruit Trees
Within the pruning of fruit trees, as well as trees, shrubs… there are several types. And specifically with the pruning of stone fruit trees, certain peculiarities of each of them must be taken into account. We explain them here:
cleaning size
As with other trees and shrubs, pruning or maintenance will be done throughout the year and throughout the life of the tree. The aim of this is remove dead branches and shoots, dry, damaged or diseased branches, as well as suckers or snakes (These are shoots that are born at the base, mainly from the trunk or roots).
It will also help us to ensure that the branches of the tree do not cross or impede the oxygenation of the center, which can greatly affect its health.
fruiting size
This ode must begin with specimens that are already mature and fruiting. In the case of fruitwould take place from the third or fourth year of life.
The goal is to improve production, not quality, so that it bears more fruit. For this, it is necessary to wait especially for spring or summer (it will depend on the type of fruit tree in question).
Plywood pruning or pruning
Have you ever heard of her? Do you know what it is? In reality These are two special prunings for stone fruit trees and both refer to the removal of the top of fruit trees.
Now, in the case of the tertiary, all the branches are removed, leaving the tree with a third part. And in the plot? It is more drastic, because you will have to cut all the branches and leave only the trunk.
Obviously, these two prunings are not easy to perform (cutting yes, but the tree must be prepared for it and you can make sure of it before pruning is not easy). Therefore, these are best done by experts in the field.
What tools will you need to prune stone fruit trees?
When you go to prune, first have all the tools you might need on hand. This way you’ll do the full pruning, without having to stop to look for tools.
And what are the most necessary? We recommend the following:
- Protective gloves and visor. To avoid hurting yourself or having something thrown in your face. Yes, we know it’s uncomfortable, but better than having no injuries or stopping to go to the ER.
- A stair. Especially if your tree is tall. Try to make it as safe as possible and also that if you use it there is another person to hold it for what may happen.
- A few secateurs. In fact, we advise you to have two, large and small. Thus, when a branch resists you, you will have enough to cut it.
- A saw. For older fruit trees, the shears may not be enough to cut, so you’ll need a chair ready for those thicker trunks.
You now have all the knowledge about pruning stone fruit trees. Do you need anything else? Ask us in comments.