The tree may require proper pruning in the fall for a variety of reasons:
- Removal of diseased or wind-damaged branches;
- Reduced crown, for the renewal of branches and better air circulation;
- Reduction in height;
- Removal of interfering lower branches;
- Formation for design decisions;
- Yield increase.
After the decision to cut was made, consider whether you should do this work yourself. If there is a large tree on your site, on which you want to remove large branches in the upper part of the crown, it is best to hire specialists. In particular, trimming may require lifts and heavy chain saws. This is a job that should be provided by trained and experienced professionals.
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When is it better to prune trees: in spring or autumn?
Time pruning in the garden always depends on the use of the form and method. Thus, it is produced at different times of the year, in any season, but the spring period takes precedence, before the buds are swollen. Dead branches can and should be removed during the whole annual cycle.
Spring
Trimming to increase growth is recommended in spring. This is because nutrients are distributed from the roots and perennial parts to the younger parts of growth and fruiting. It is best to choose a period immediately before the start of sap flow.which is beneficial to pruning. You can not prune shrubs that bloom in the spring.
Autumn winter
Trimming in the autumn and winter seasons is often performed in areas where it is mostly warm and there is no strong frost. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the bark and wood in the place where it was cut by severe cold or sunburn.
When planning trimming it is important to remember that the temperature should not fall below - 8 degrees. Pruning during this period minimizes the loss of sap and the subsequent stress on the tree. It also minimizes the risk of infection by fungi or insects, since the fungus and insects are likely to be at rest. Finally, in the case of deciduous trees, pruning after leaf fall will give you a better idea of how the shape of the trunk will change. Fruit trees are not recommended to prune in the fall.
Summer
Gardeners rarely prefer summer pruning, because when the buds are swollen and the tree blooms, you can damage the rings and in the summer you have to remove the branches with the crop. However, it makes sense during this period to tackle shoots that do not require strong growth., and also removal of the tops, appeared after a large cut.
Trimming tools
Instructions for tools are fairly straightforward. For proper pruning of trees and shrubs, buy the best tools you can afford and keep them in good condition.
Here are the basic tools:
- Pruner. The use of ratchet tools is not recommended. It is best to choose a regular and convenient pruner.
- Garden hacksaw. This is a specialized hacksaw, which narrows towards the end of its blade. The teeth are designed so that they do not allow the hacksaw to be clogged with sawdust. It is not recommended to use a construction hacksaw. For comfortable work get the tool on a profile.
- Air pruner. This pruner is used for hard-to-reach areas of the tree. It is a bar on which a secateur is attached, actuated by a lever and a rope.
It is necessary to monitor the condition of the tool. To avoid damage to the stem or bark, it is necessary to use sharp blades. Otherwise, there is a risk of the appearance of surfaces susceptible to infection by harmful microorganisms. Tree diseases are easily spread by infected tools.
How to trim a tree and shrub in the garden?
common goal - cut off the unwanted branch while keeping the trunk intact. The most common mistake is when a branch is cut too close, or too far from the trunk. Or, breaking the sequence damages the bark, especially when pruning large branches.
Depending on what the goal of the work is, you can determine which technology to use.
Kidney slice
Using this method of pruning, you can, for example, change the direction of growth of branches depending on your needs. You need to choose a kidney, located on the one-year-old escape, which grows in the right direction. This cut is made at an angle of 45 degrees to the branch.
The cutting edge of the pruner should be directed towards the part of the tree that remains. Trimming is done by forming a small angle so that the kidney remains intact, but at the same time without forming a stump. The kidney will dry if it does not receive the necessary substances. This happens when they make a very sharp cut that falls on the kidney. Here we must remember that our goal is for the bud to form an escape.
At the same time, if the stump is left, it can dry out, and the kidney will not give a new escape.This stump can be left only when trimming a bush.
Cut into a ring
When using this method, the entire branch is cut off. Depending on the thickness, you can use a pruner. In order to avoid a sticking out stump and at the same time a “cut” did not occur, a cut should be made along the outer surface of the ring. Rings are located at the junctions of the branches.
Cut to the side branch
If you want to leave a side branch and continue to grow in its direction, you need to cut off an unnecessary branch. It turns out that the cut in relation to the left branch will be its continuation.
How much to trim?
Do not cut more than 25% of tree branches. When deciding how to cut, you need to focus on the very minimum.
Make sure that the living branches are at least 2/3 of the height of the tree. If you remove more than you need, it will increase the risk of hitting the tree. Sometimes pruning is forced. For example, wind damage, reduction in height due to power lines, municipal requirements to raise the crown, etc. But even in these cases, cut as little as possible.
Care after trimming
Gardening, paints based on vegetable oil, petrolatum, etc. are suitable for smearing cuts. The branches located on the periphery of the crown, the diameter of which is less than 2 cm is not smeared.
Try to continue to monitor the condition of the tree and heal the wounds if necessary. If you notice any features of how the tree reacts to pruning, try to apply the experience gained in further care.