Many gardeners are mistrustful of pruning fruit trees in winter solely because of their inexperience. Correct pruning of the garden in winter allows not only to more accurately form the crown, but also to do it for the tree is less sensitive. In winter, the tree "sleeps", and by the time it's time to "wake up", it will have time to heal the wounds. Well, if you trim old apple trees in winter with brushing the bark, then the chance of developing fungal diseases and insect invasion is significantly reduced. We are sure that from this material you will learn a lot of interesting things that you can use in the near future in practice.
General information
After the seedlings reach the age of 7-8 years, the pruning of fruit trees begins to have the most positive effect on further growth. When asked whether it is possible to cut apples in winter, the answer is unambiguous: it is not possible, but rather, it is necessary! After all, the correct pruning starts the natural mechanisms of plant growth even more actively in the spring. If there are no unnecessary branches, then all the energy of the tree will be directed to the vegetative growth of the fruit branches. Yes, and trim a tree with bare branches without leaves is much more convenient, because you can objectively assess the future size and shape of the crown in the spring. In order for everything to be successful, it is recommended to wait for dry frost and temperatures of at least five degrees. If it is colder, then there is a threat of frostbite in the slices, which in spring may be affected by the disease. Did you think that if you cut off all the excess from the trees in winter, then you can increase the yield? But in addition to this, you almost completely eliminate the likelihood of fungal diseases and even attack all the fruit trees of the scab. The absence of rotten branches on a tree in the spring is a guarantee of plant health and a rich harvest.
Practical tips
Do not forget that a real gardener prepares to prune a tree in the same way as a surgeon prepares for surgery. The tool should be very sharp, very desirable presence in the arsenal and garden knife. Slices should be done quickly and accurately, it is desirable to disinfect the tool, for this you can use ordinary alcohol. Be sure to prepare a box with a heated garden bar so you can quickly process slices. The application of these tips in practice and the accuracy of pruning ensure that you harvest a rich crop and the possibility of obtaining fruits with the minimum use of chemicals.
Now let's move on to the very order of the trimming. First of all, cut off the thick branches that grow inside the tree's crown. Then those that are directed strictly down and straight. Shake the last year's foliage off the tree. All vertically growing branches, in order to stimulate their active growth, are cut off at the nearest branch to the side. This procedure contributes to the correct formation and growth in the thickness of the bearing vertical skeleton tree. And these branches
The formation of skeletal branches in winter allows the tree to tighten the "wounds" and to put all its strength into action with the advent of spring to strengthen the necessary parts of the crown. You will be able to appreciate the benefits of this cropping from the first year, because the yield increase from each tree cut off by this method will be obvious. It remains to you to wish success and patience in this painstaking process, take it seriously, and be rewarded with healthy trees and a rich harvest.