Following a few rules when it’s time to prune your trees should go a long way to keeping them healthy.
People often have a go at pruning their trees themselves to keep growth under control, mainly for appearance and because they think that it’s good for the tree in some way or that it benefits fruit production.
And in general, that’s right. When it’s done properly and well, tree pruning does support the tree’s health and enhance its aesthetics.
However, when it’s done badly or misguidedly, tree pruning also has the potential to do the tree more harm than good so planning the pruning properly and knowing how to use the correct tools with the right technique is important to avoiding damage and maintain the tree’s long-term health.
- The first job, before any other, is to remove any damaged, dead, or diseased branches.
- Make sure you have the right tools – good quality pruning shears and a pruning saw designed specifically to do the job without wounding the tree. Try to maintain the tools in good condition so that they do the job efficiently and safely.
- Prune at the right time of year for the species of tree (so do your research and find out). That way, you maximise fruit production and minimise damage, stress, or pest and disease risk – and avoid pruning during extreme wet, extreme heat or extreme cold.
- Be mindful that some species of tree are susceptible to certain diseases at particular times of year so, for example, it’s best to prune oak trees during winter but that’s exactly when not to prune fruit trees – and they only way you’ll know this is to find out beforehand.
- Under prune rather than over prune. Different tree species tolerate different amounts of pruning so find out before you start. As a general rule, don’t cut off more than 30% in one go.
- Avoid pruning the central stem of the tree at the crown as this will ruin the tree’s growth pattern, alter its natural shape and make it stressed and vulnerable.
- Cut in the right place to leave a small stub or branch collar – not flush with the branch or trunk and not too large. Both can inhibit the tree’s healing process after the cut and leave it vulnerable to pests or disease.
- Try not to avoid ripping bark from the trunk when you remove a larger branch as it will leave a scar and an opening for pests. One way to avoid this is by partially cutting from under the branch before cutting all the way through from the top a little further down the branch. The bark on the trunk won’t rip and the stub can be taken off neatly nearer to the trunk.
In summary, research, plan, remove damaged/diseased/dead branches, prune at the right time using the right tools in the right way, and take your time. It will be worth the effort when the trees show their thanks by thriving.
