How do you prune a fruit tree in late winter? Tips and mistakes to avoid to boost production

The period at the end of February – beginning of March is favorable for garden care. For what ? Given that the last major frosts will soon disappear and that tree sap will soon begin to circulate again, the ideal time has come to act in order to offer plants abundant fruiting. After showing you how to prune roses when spring arrives, it's time to also devote an informative article to the orchard. So, let's see how to prune a fruit tree at the end of winter! Why do it exactly? What tools to use? What mistakes to avoid? We answer all your questions!

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Why prune fruit trees exactly?

Keep in mind that pruning fruit trees, but also many other plants, is an essential step in their proper development. What does that mean exactly? Pruning a fruit tree allows the sap to reach the fruit buds more quickly, which helps boost fruit set and improve the harvest. In other words, pruning relieves the tree and thus stimulates its development.

But when to prune fruit trees? So, the best time to prune is especially the end of winter/beginning of spring so that the plants can produce beautiful fruits. Find out how to prune without missteps in the next paragraph.

How to prune a fruit tree and what tools to use?

Before pruning, it is first important to be properly equipped. So, take a look in your garden shed and arm yourself with secateurs and branch cutters which will be your best allies in this important task. Remember to properly sharpen and sanitize your tools between the different sizes to be able to make a clean and precise cut without the risk of transmitting diseases and pests. Use alcohol for cleaning tools and avoid tearing off branches, as you risk damaging the wood fibers. Needless to mention, wearing gardening gloves is essential to better protect your hands.

So, let's finally see how to prune a fruit tree like a pro without damaging it. Be aware that pruning also presents a kind of cleaning allowing the plant to regain its "good looks" in order to give a better harvest. That said, start by cutting the branches that show signs of weakness, those that are dead and eliminate all the faded elements to prevent them from unnecessarily burdening the trees. Make sure you are pruning the wood buds and not the flower buds. The latter are responsible for the fruiting of the tree, while the former - for its growth and therefore need to be pruned more severely.

When you prune a fruit tree, also remember to clear its middle to ventilate it and to let the light in by folding back the branches that point inwards. Prune near the base to avoid stumps and shorten side branches. Finally, proceed to the healing of fresh cuts, a very important step, by applying a suitable product. That's it, nothing complicated!

Mistakes to avoid

To prune a fruit tree like a true professional and without any missteps, you also need to find out about certain mistakes to avoid in order to boost fruiting. Your tree will thank you!

So one of the biggest mistakes you can make is pruning a fruit tree at the wrong time. Know that these plants must be pruned at the end of winter when they are at rest to flower and bear fruit in spring and summer. Next comes improper cleaning, i.e. not removing dead wood and faded elements.

The second mistake to avoid at all costs concerns the choice of tools. Considering that pruning must be done neatly and precisely, it is quite important to get the right tools. So, count on a pruner for small, thin branches and prefer a branch cutter for larger and more robust ones. The third error always refers to the tools, and more specifically to their maintenance. As we mentioned above, not disinfecting them can promote the transmission of diseases and pests. To avoid risks, disinfect with alcohol.

Pulling antlers with your bare hands is a fourth mistake that can damage the fibers of the wood and compromise your harvest. Finally, not beveling is a fifth mistake to avoid, because it will complicate the healing of the branches. When these are bevelled, the raindrops will not be able to land on the buds and they will therefore not be able to drown the tree.