! How and when to Prune Trees and Shrubs

1 Understanding Growth Buds
2 Removing Heavy Branches
3 General Pruning Process
4 Pruning Techniques
5 Healing and Regrowth
6 Additions:
6.1 Basic Structure of Fruit Trees;
6.2 Most Important Pruning Equipment;
6.3 When should I prune my tre?

REFERENCES 

(References n the text: one source for the general structure plus many others for the pics)

https://sharingideas.me/how-and-when-to-prune-trees-and-shrubs/

Pruning is essential in gardening for maintaining the health and structure of trees and shrubs. It’s a blend of art and science, requiring skill in making cuts and understanding the biology of plants for effective results..."

1 Understanding Growth Buds

• Apical Dominance: Plants grow primarily from the terminal or apex bud, suppressing the growth of lateral buds. This dominance varies across species and affects the number and length of lateral shoots.

• Growth Patterns: The orientation of limbs affects apical dominance. Vertical limbs have strong apical dominance with vigorous growth near the terminal bud. Lateral branches at 45° to 60° angles see reduced apical dominance, leading to more lateral growth. Horizontal limbs lose apical dominance entirely, often resulting in water sprouts.

Figure 4: This diagram shows a theory of the effect of auxins (IAA) on apical dominance. The plant on the left is intact and shows apical dominance Andrew no lateral bud growth. On the right, the apical bud has been removed and lateral bud growth occurs.

Reference: Lesson Explainer: Plant Hormones, https://www.nagwa.com/en/explainers/142193981979/

2 Removing Heavy Branches

• Cut From Below: To remove large branches, start with an undercut to prevent bark tearing.
• Cut the Branch Top: Make a top cut outside the first cut to remove the branch.
• Cut to the Branch Collar: Finalize by cutting close to the branch collar, avoiding damage to it for optimal healing.

!!! POP Pruning Guide: Fruit Trees

https://www.phillyorchards.org/2016/01/21/pop-pruning-guide-fruit-trees/

3 Genperal Pruning Process

• Timing: Prune during dormancy in winter or early spring. Prune flowering shrubs after blooming to avoid cutting off next season’s buds.
• Evergreens and Fruit Trees: Prune evergreens in early spring. Fruit trees should be pruned to open up the crown for better light penetration and fruit production.
• Roses: Prune in spring, cutting back to healthy, live wood just above an outward-facing bud.

https://extension.psu.edu/what-causes-a-tree-to-enter-and-exit-dormancy

4 Pruning Techniques

• Thinning: Removes entire shoots to their origin, maintaining apical dominance and encouraging growth at undisturbed shoot tips.
• Water Sprouts and Suckers: Remove water sprouts and suckers to prevent energy drain and to guide growth.
• Renewal Pruning: Aim for air circulation and light penetration. Older trees benefit from pruning for new growth.
• Crotches and Angles: Remove limbs with narrow-angled crotches as they are weaker and prone to damage.

 

 4.1 Thinning:

Thinning – A Detailed Note

https://forestrypedia.com/thinning-detailed-note/

 4.2 Water Sprouts and Suckers:

 4.3 Renewal Pruning (3 references):

Rejuvenation Pruning: Pruning Plants, Shrubs & More

https://www.environmentaldesigns.com/rejuvenation-pruning-in-denver-colorado/

 Rejuvenating Old Fruit Trees

https://thefruithouse.weebly.com/rejuvenating-old-trees.html

   

Researchers advocate whole tree renewal pruning

https://www.goodfruit.com/researchers-advocate-whole-tree-renewal-pruning/

 4.4 Crotches and Angles

!!! POP Pruning Guide: Fruit Trees

https://www.phillyorchards.org/2016/01/21/pop-pruning-guide-fruit-trees/

5 Healing and Regrowth 

• Healing: Pruning leads to healing starting in the cambium layer. For faster healing, prune close to the main branch without injuring the bark ridge or branch .
• Regrowth: Pruning stimulates regrowth near the cut. More severe pruning results in greater regrowth as the plant tries to restore balance between the top and the root system.

 5.1 Healing

Tree Wounds and Healing, https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/tree-wounds-and-healing/

 5.2  Regrowth

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6 Additions: 

 6.1 Basic Structure of Fruit Trees 

!!! POP Pruning Guide: Fruit Treeshttps://www.phillyorchards.org/2016/01/21/pop-pruning-guide-fruit-trees/

 6.2 Most Important Pruning Equipment

As with most tools, don’t buy the cheapest available! Quality tools will perform better and last longer.

1. Bypass hand pruner
2. Hand saw
3. Bypass loppers
4. Blade sharpener
5. Alcohol spray bottle (for sterilization)

When your trees get larger, you’ll likely also need:

1. Pole pruner
2. Pole saw
3. Orchard ladder (tripod)
4. Bow saw (for larger branches)

!!! POP Pruning Guide: Fruit Trees

https://www.phillyorchards.org/2016/01/21/pop-pruning-guide-fruit-trees/

6.3 When should I prune my tre?

REFERENCES:

1. The Science of Pruning - When and where you do it can mean the difference between a happy plant and a dead plant—but why?https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/pruning/preview-the-science-of-pruning 
2. How to Prune a Tree -Pruning early & properly is key to a healthy tree, https://friendsoftrees.org/news-resources/tree-pruning/ 
3. Tree Pruning – A Detailed Note, https://forestrypedia.com/tree-pruning-a-detailed-note/  
4. How long does it take for trees to grow back branches after pruning them back completely, https://www.quora.com/How-long-does-it-take-for-trees-to-grow-back-branches-after-pruning-them-back-completely
5. Cleaning the canopy (Landscape plants),  https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/cleaning.shtml;
6. What is the best time of year to trim your trees?, https://www.birchtreecare.com/blog/what-is-the-best-time-of-year-to-trim-your-trees; 
7.  How Do You Decide When to Remove a Tree?, https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree;
8.  What's the difference between tree pruning and tree trimming?, https://treenewal.com/;