There are a few tips that make pruning the nectarine tree easier and more efficient. If you follow these, you sustainably support the health of the tree. If you also use the right tools, you will be rewarded with a good harvest and sun-ripened nectarines.

Why the right cut is important

The right time to prune the nectarine tree is in September, right after the nectarines have been harvested. The aim of the cut is

  • stimulate the growth of the nectarine tree
  • ensure that sufficient air and light penetrate the nectarine tree
  • to boost the yield of fruit and
  • to optimize the quality, ripeness and flavor of nectarines.

If a nectarine tree is not pruned, tasteless fruit will develop. Due to the aging of the branches, they will also break off under the weight of the nectarines. For this reason, it is important to cut the nectarine tree heavily every year so that it has the chance to develop sufficiently young and, above all, viable shoots.

How is a nectarine tree pruned?

Pruning begins by removing all dead and senile branches and broken twigs. The best fruit grows on the wood that grew in the previous year, with the consequence that side shoots that have already borne fruit are only cut down to the level of the replacement shoots. Strong fruit shoots with two flower buds are only slightly shortened, while weak fruit shoots are severely cut.

When pruning nectarine trees, the following basic principle applies: If pruned hard, there will be strong budding in spring, while pruning weakly will result in comparatively weak budding. In this respect, the pruning has a great influence on the subsequent harvest, which is only promising if the nectarine tree is cared for and pruned accordingly every year.

It depends on the right tool

In order to be able to cut a nectarine tree, sharp and high-quality tools should be used. Secateurs are sufficient for smaller pruning work, while larger branches are cut off with pruning shears. Thicker branches, for example in the crown area, are removed with a pruning saw or an adjustable hacksaw. If there is moss, lichen or egg deposits from pests on the nectarine tree, these are brushed off with a wire brush.

tips and tricks

It is advisable to grow the nectarine tree as a bush tree because the bushes give it more protection from frost and precipitation. The goal is an open crown that is continuously rejuvenated through regular care and careful pruning.

Category:

Trees