Water shoots are usually unwelcome growths on the wood, which prove to be disadvantageous. However, under certain circumstances, removal is only partially useful, because there is a mysterious power in the saplings.
Water shoots bear no fruit
Why remove water shoots?
Fruit trees tend to form upright shoots on strong and thick branches. These water saplings arise from dormant eyes, also known as adventitious buds. Flowers and fruits do not normally form here during the growing season. Nevertheless, these additional shoots rob the trees of nutrients that they lack for the development of their fruit in the crown area.
The right time
The earlier in the year you eliminate the water shoots, the better and faster the tree can regenerate. However, you should not remove them before the Ice Saints in mid-May. The latest date is June 24th at the beginning of summer, as removal becomes increasingly difficult as the season progresses. Removal during the winter months is also not recommended as it encourages the tree to develop more shoots.
Recommended course of action
The so-called June crack does not require any additional tools and offers two advantages. Shrubs usually close lacerations faster than cuts. Since the branching along with the dividing tissue and side eyes are loosened with this method, no further water shoots can develop at this point.
How to do it right:
- Cut the bark below the base of the shoot
- Grab water shot at the base
- pull straight down with a jerk
By making the incision, you prevent larger pieces of bark from getting caught on the shoot when tearing it off. In the case of neglected fruit trees that have already developed countless of these unwanted shoots, you sometimes have to use a saw to help yourself. Do not cut off too many branches at once, otherwise the wood will have a hard time recovering.
water shots as an opportunity
If your fruit tree has never really borne fruit, water shoots can help. In order to animate the branches to flower and fruit, you have to bend them down at an angle and tie them to a branch underneath. This so-called juice scale is used more frequently in fruit growing, because only sloping branches bear fruit.