Pruning fruit trees can help increase fruit production as long as you follow a few simple rules. These tips for Bradford tree pruning will help your tree produce plenty of fruit while not over-producing.
Prune Trees When Leaves Are Dormant
The best time to prune fruit trees is when the leaves have fallen off of the tree. This makes it easier to see exactly what you are doing and how much you need to trim. If you try to prune the tree while fruit is growing, you risk leaving the fruit exposed to sun burn.
Prune Trees While They Are Young
If you prune your trees while they are very young, you keep the “wounds” small. Small cuts damage the tree less than large cuts, so trimming the tree while it’s young will keep you from having to more drastically prune the tree when it is big. Additionally, you can train your tree to grow the way you want it to grow and will produce more fruit later in life.
Start at the Top
Assess your tree by looking from the top down. You’ll want to first prune any diseased, broken, or damaged branches. Then look for sprouts that are growing from the trunk and cut them. Now look for small branches growing vertically from the larger branches and trim them so that they are cut flush with the bigger branches.
Thin the Tree Out
Now it’s time to thin out unneeded branches. This allows more light and air-flow into the canopy of the tree which helps with fruit production. Begin by looking for branches that are growing downward. After that, prune branches so that they are all evenly spaced and not competing with each other for space or light.
Use the Proper Tools
Using the proper tools will make the entire job much easier. For instance, use a pole pruner to get at high branches. Also, be sure that your tools are sharp and in good condition for safety and ease of use. Sharp tools make for clean cuts. Disinfecting the blades after you use them on each tree will help to prevent spreading disease from tree to tree as well.
For Bradford tree pruning services you can also turn to the experts at Dave Lund Tree Services. We have the expertise and equipment to help you with your tree pruning needs. For more information, you can contact us at 905-884-0511.