Contents:
- Planting fruit trees
- Cutting technique
- Pruning fruit trees
Planting fruit trees
In the case of spring planting, the period of grounding for all plantings is much longer, during which the trees are exposed to drying out, if, of course, they are not well protected.It is worth remembering about a few rules that will guarantee a good acceptance of the plant in a new place.
If you want the tree to root properly and have adequate growth, check how to plant it step by step:
After selecting the appropriate position in the garden, mark the place where the plant is to be planted with a stake. Then we try to draw a circle around the stake with a diameter slightly larger than the roots of the tree.
If there is turf growing at the planting site, cut it with a spade and remove the entire layer with the roots. The next step is to dig a sufficiently wide hole that will accommodate the entire root system. The roots of the tree should fit freely in it.
A sharp spade was perfect for this task, thanks to which the work went very smoothly! At the same time, the spine was not loaded, ensuring the correct posture while digging. The angled shaft minimizes the stress on the back muscles and guarantees a natural body position.The 17 ° angle of the handle mimics the natural movement of the hand. The heads are hardened, which ensures the durability of the spade.
It is effective in removing roots and clumps of grass. In addition, the spade top has a support that allowed for stabilization and more effective work when digging a fruit tree. The soil was harder in this period, therefore its unique sharpened shape allowed it to be properly driven into the soil to the desired depth.
After placing the tree in the hole, place a stake next to it, to which we will attach the tree and which will prevent the trunk from tilting. We leave a distance of about a hand's width between the stake and the trunk. To prevent the stake from falling over, we can stick it a bit into the ground.
By covering the tree's root system, we can shake it a bit. This will result in better filling the space around the roots with soil. Finally, we tread the ground quite hard to remove the air and press the substrate against the roots.
The last step is watering the tree abundantly. Watering should be repeated several times (if it is not raining). It is advantageous to form a depression of earth around the trunk to prevent water from running out during watering.
Cutting technique - how to do it correctly and what to avoid?
The basic principle of pruning older fruit trees that are several to a dozen years old is cutting the whole branches.This means that we should rather avoid shortening smaller twigs.Use a secateurs to cut off the entire shoot as close as possible to the base of the trunk. This technique is called a wedding ring cut.
By trimming selected branches in this way, we leave only one wound, which is easy to protect. This is a good way to limit the growth of the tree, because with this cut, new branches rarely sprout in the place of the cut.However, if we want new young growths to grow in the place of the old shoot, leave a short, several centimeters long plug.
Even on regularly pruned fruit trees, strong long shoots called wolves appear. We can tell them by the fact that they are unbranched and grow vertically.These long shoots often reach even over a meter in length.These shoots have only leaf buds, so they do not bear fruit. They are unnecessary on a tree, because it thickens the crown unnecessarily and takes away valuable nutrients. When we notice unnecessary wolves in the crown, cut them out for a wedding ring.
One-hand secateurs Fiskars P 921
A scissor pruner for cutting fresh branches and young shoots with a diameter of up to 2.4 cm was perfect for this task. It is suitable for right- and left-handed people. It has a rotating handle, which is recommended especially for long-term work - the handle design allows you to use all fingers at the same time, andthe unique PowerGear lever mechanism increases the cutting force 3 times compared to other standard mechanisms Thus, it effectively reduces the effort required while working. In addition, the ground and hardened steel blade remains sharp for longer and is ready for further work when cutting branches of fruit trees or other plants.
These blades are highly corrosion resistant and the PTFE coating reduces friction resulting in a better and more durable cut. A great help is the light structure and the handle made of FiberComp ™ material, which makes the tool adapt to the natural shape of the hand. The design is extremely well thought out, also for people whostruggle with carpal tunnel syndromeThe SoftGrip handle with a 3D structure provides a secure grip and the blade lock prevents self-opening and allows for safe storage without the possibility of injury .
One-hand secateurs Fiskars P 921
Pruning fruit trees
" We prune the fruit species every year. We start with those least susceptible to frost damage. First, we can prune apple and pear trees, and a little later - plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines. We remove diseased and distorted shoots and those that grow to the center of the crown or cross. However, it should be done in moderation, because a strong pruning can stimulate the tree to grow, which causes (especially in apple trees) the appearance of numerous wolves, i.e. non-branching shoots growing vertically upwards, which will have to be removed in the summer. "
Ornamental trees usually do not require pruning. This treatment is necessary only when the branch is damaged under the influence of strong wind or the weight of snow. Then, wounds with ragged edges and tears of the bark are formed. This is where moisture collects, and at higher temperatures, bacteria and fungal spores develop. In order to prevent infection, the wound surface must be leveled and protected with a suitable balm-like preparation.
At the end of winter, it is also worth removing all shoots that, while growing, can cause damage - they grow into the mesh of the fence mesh or destroy the facade of the building. On the other hand, thick branches should not be removed, unless leaving such a branch is an immediate danger. At this time of year, the tree will not heal a large wound and will be exposed to pathogens for several months. The best time to do this is May or June, when the tree is in full growth and it will activate its defense system as quickly as possible.
The secateurs are suitable for this task.is designed for cutting hard and dry branches with a diameter of up to 26 mmIt has the unique PowerGear ™ system, which increases the cutting force three times and allows for extremely comfortable work. These blades are highly corrosion resistant and the PTFE coating reduces friction resulting in a better and more durable cut.
The lightweight construction and the FiberComp ™ handle make the tool adapt to the natural shape of the hand.The design is extremely well thought out, also for people who struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome.The SoftGrip handle with a 3D structure ensures a secure grip and the blade lock prevents self-opening and allows for safe storage without the possibility of injury.
One-hand secateurs Fiskars P 941
Large Power Gear X LX99 secateurs by Fiskars is a high-class universal secateurs designed for cutting fresh branches with a maximum diameter of 55 mmPerfect for cutting fruit trees - it passes through them like butter! The secateurs are made of very durable metal and plastic, thanks to which it is exceptionally light and, at the same time, highly durable.
During longer work I did not feel pain in my shoulder or muscle strain - the lightness of the material made gardening a pleasure!The unique lever gear increases the cutting force and the PTFE-coated high-quality steel blade reduces frictionfor a clean cut.An additional advantage is the non-slip handles, which make work much easier.
Power Gear X LX99 large scissor secateurs
Power Gear X LX99 large scissor secateurs
It also worked well for cutting trees that are over 40 years old! It is a green leaf plum that is systematically cut to produce stronger shoots and more beautiful fruit. This is one of those fruit trees that are favorite in our garden. I prepare the best jams, preserves and compotes from its fruit. It is very important to be able to keep old varieties that are more resistant to fungal diseases or pests with proper care.
