Dreaming of owning an orchard but think you are limited by land space? Here is the good news; you don’t need acres of farmland to build your own orchard. Fruit trees are a great addition to your garden. Not only do they beautify your garden but also provide great shade from the sun during the hot summer months. In addition, they make available fresh healthy fruits for your consumption. These products are fresher than what you get directly from the farmer’s market. Even better, you can purchase your desired fruit trees online, whether it’s apple, peach, apricot, pear, and fig trees.
Pruning a Fruit Tree
Choosing the right fruit tree doesn’t have to be difficult. With the help of a specialist supplier of fruit trees online, you will have the right species that can grow in your backyard or balcony without any hassle. A young fruit tree needs to be watered regularly in order not to stunt its growth. Another way to improve the health and appearance of a fruit tree is by pruning.
So when is the right time to prune a fruit tree? The best time to prune a fruit tree is in late winter before the buds begin to swell. When you prune in late winter, you give way to excessive vegetative growth and bickering. At this time, the tree has enough time to heal from any injury caused during the pruning process before springtime. You can also prune fruit trees in spring and summer but it should be lightly done. Mid-summer, for instance, is not the right time to prune a tree.
You can prune a tree any time, be it at a younger age or as it attains maturity. Pruning has its many advantages. It helps shape the tree to the owner’s desired size, keeps its growth at a minimal level, makes the tree blossom during spring, and produces healthy fruits when it’s time for harvest.
In order to encourage branches, get rid of young unbranched trees that are 34 inches tall. If the branches on your trees increase in number cut back on those that are 18 inches tall and those with crotches that are not up to 60 degrees
How to Prune a Fruit Tree
As your pear tree grows, the main stem should outgrow the surrounding branches. However, as the tree starts to bear fruit the branches begin to grow abnormally, spreading its wings wide. The branches maintain a horizontal position as the weight of the fruit starts to pull it down. You can help this process by pulling the branch down and tying it to a stake in the ground with twine. Pad the twine that encircles the branch to avoid damage. If you can’t achieve an angle of at least 60 degrees between the branch and the trunk of the tree, then remove the branch.
Pruning is a sure-fire way to make sure your fruit tree produces fruit at the right time and in great quantities as well. Don’t just buy trees, take care of them as well by pruning regularly.
