Bush trees are characterized by low and bushy growth. They are therefore ideal for gardens with a smaller amount of space. Special pruning techniques are necessary to ensure that the trees do not lose their shape.
Regular pruning is necessary to ensure that the bush trees do not get out of shape
time
Bushy fruit trees require pruning at the right time to grow healthily and bear bounty. Pruning during the winter months can be difficult due to frost damage. Early intervention favors the development of numerous shoots. The later you cut, the lower the budding. Summer pruning is therefore recommended for trees that naturally grow strongly.
For orientation:
- education cut: recommended for pome fruit after winter and just before flowering
- maintenance cut: Additional measure in summer to thin out the crown
- taper cut: in almost all fruit trees in spring, in damsons and plums in summer
cutting measures
With the plant cut you set the basis for a crown. Since a different growth form is desired for bush trees, this pruning differs from the procedure for other fruit trees. Regular pruning is necessary, otherwise the shrub constantly puts energy into the formation of a main shoot. With the maintenance cut you ensure a balanced relationship between growth and fruiting.
tips
In the case of bush trees, the distance from the ground to the lowest leading branches is a maximum of 50 centimetres. If the distances are greater, they are half or high trunks.
education cut
Immediately after planting, prune the main shoot to a height of 75 centimeters to encourage the bush tree to form side shoots. Remove all branches except for three strong side shoots. The remaining branches are shortened by a third. Spindle bushes are an exception, because here the central drive stops.
Next spring, grab the scissors again and remove any shoots that are growing in the crown. Shorten the scaffolding branches by half their length. The remaining branches may be reduced to three to four eyes. Repeat these steps one last time in the third year, because then the basic structure is complete.
maintenance cut
Thin out the crown first and remove any shoots that grow inwards. Strong competitive drives to the framework are completely removed. Divert stale fruiting wood to an inner branch that is at least two years old and has flower buds. This should face outwards and grow diagonally upwards. Flat-growing young shoots with fruit set may remain.
taper cut
If the wood is out of shape or no longer supports well, a tapering cut is necessary. In this move, you remove any fruit branches that are overhanging, ailing, or aged. In the end, the crown should be generously thinned out so that enough light can enter. Once this intervention is complete, you will return to maintenance pruning in the following years.