April is the best time for crown formation in more thermophilic species such as peaches, apricots and plums.These trees are susceptible to frost and should be pruned only when the risk of significant temperature drops has passed.If we have not yet performed the pruning of apple or pear trees - nothing is lost.
In the case of these species, there are no contraindications for spring pruning, especially since most varieties come from countries with milder climates. Delaying the cut until spring has many advantages. Until recently it was recommended to prune apple trees in February, or even earlier. It is related to the better regeneration of the tree in the spring.
Once the trees have resumed their growth and vegetation begins, wounds heal faster and the tree suffers less. If we haven't made the cut yet, let's do it now. It does not necessarily have to be a hard cut.Sometimes it is enough to cut a few branches that grow too vigorously.
It is better to carry out even a small crown correction than to abandon the trimming altogether. Also, don't worry too much about the cut date. All fruit trees can be pruned at any time - in spring and even summer.
You just have to remember one rule.It says that early pruning clearly encourages the tree to grow, while the later we cut the tree, the less it will grow. Most often it will be an advantage in home gardens. So if we want the tree to grow strongly, let's cut it early, in February and March. However, if you don't want it to be too big - it's best to wait until spring before cutting.
Conditions favoring tree formation
Fruit trees growing in gardens can often live up to several dozen years.However, in order for them to bear fruit for a long time and grow he althily, we should take care of their he alth.The climatic conditions of our country are highly variable. The temperature in summer often exceeds 30 ° C. In winter, however, temperatures drop to -20 ° C or even lower. During this period, trees are most vulnerable to damage.
Apple, pear and stone trees die most often due to diseases causing damage to the wood or bark.A common problem with older trees is rotten trunks or decaying branches. All wood injuries are particularly vulnerable to attacks by pathogens, such as pathogenic bacteria or fungi.
Damaged wood is much less resistant to frost than he althy wood.When cutting, always remember to leave an open wound through which pathogens can penetrate.
To minimize the risk, do not pruning too early.The later you cut fruit trees, the lower the risk of contamination by serious diseases.The pruning procedure itself should only be carried out on sunny and warm days.
Rainy, cold weather delays the drying of wounds.Therefore species sensitive to bark and wood diseases, such as cherries and cherries, are cut in the summer after the harvest, i.e. during the full season. vegetation so that the wounds heal quickly.
