Trellis fruit can provide lavish yields. Until this happens, the gardener has to invest some time in the care. This includes annual pruning measures so that the wood does not get out of shape.
Trellis fruit should be pruned every spring
plant cutting
Regardless of whether you plant the sapling in autumn or spring, the first cut takes place after winter. In this procedure, you select the two strongest side branches that grow in the lower part of the crown. These will later form the leading branches of the first floor and will be shortened by a third. It is important that the last eye is directed downwards. Attach the branches to the horizontal wires.
Form a trellis
Cut back vertical or sloping side branches leaving about three leaves. Depending on the look, you can also reduce these shoots to small stubs. The main shoot, which grows vertically upwards, may be shortened to an outward-pointing eye. If you want to build more floors, this measure is not necessary.
upbringing
The trellis shape is further developed with the training cuts. It takes regular attention for the tree to grow in this shape.
first summer
In the following July, pruning ensures that leading branches and fruiting wood are built up on the second floor. Choose the strongest side shoots that are above the first tier of side branches. Fix them to the trellis at a 45 degree angle. As the season progresses, continue to tie the branches downward until they have reached their level orientation.
Cutting recommendations:
- Cut off the steep shoots at the base
- Cut off young shoots on the main branch
- Shorten all side branches to five to six leaves
- decapitate lower leading branches
second spring
The trellis tree has a basic framework of two levels, which are stimulated to form branches with the following cuts. To do this, remove all shoots that grow steeply upwards and cut off the tips of the main branches, which grow in the second branch level.
tips
The fruit buds are thicker than leaf buds. Shorten such shoots to about four dormant eyes so that the trellis tree later bears richly.
conservation
These measures are about creating a balance between the fruit wood and the main branches. They focus on building an even crown and promote the fruit development of the fruit trees.
second summer
Between June and August, cut back all young shoots that grow on the main shoot to about 20 centimeters. Proceed in the same way for all expulsions on the tier guide branches. All sloping shoots and those that compete with the leading structure through strong growth are completely removed.
third spring
When cone pruning, prune back any fruit shoots along branch tiers that have branched heavily or are aging to about three to four dormant buds. This reduces the fruit yield and improves the quality of the remaining fruit.