Miniature fruit trees enjoy great popularity among gardeners who have limited space. But the dwarf shrubs also set accents in the garden. At the same time, they ensure a rich harvest, which is promoted by regular cutting.
Regular pruning guarantees a rich harvest
time
The ideal period for pruning small fruit trees is from the end of February to March. In early spring, the tree is dormant. The flow of juice starts later, so that interventions can be easily put away. If there is a risk of frost at this time, postpone the pruning date to April-May. You shouldn't wait too long with the intervention, because the trees grow less well if they are cut too late and hardly produce any fruit.
particularities
Peach trees should only be pruned in spring. Sweet cherries are usually cut immediately after the cherry harvest in summer. For apple and pear trees, the period extends from late summer to early autumn. No pruning measures are recommended after August, because then the tree is preparing for hibernation. Cuts can no longer heal sufficiently in autumn.
How to cut properly
Dwarf fruit trees require regular pruning, although less intense than their tall relatives. The goal is a crown with the branches pointing away from the trunk. Side branches are desirable because they increase flowering. A tapered cut ensures that the crown appears loose and all branches are optimally energized. With this measure you maximize the fruit yield.
It is important to note that
In the case of fruit trees, only the branch parts that end up with a sleeping eye are supplied with nutrients. Such dying areas represent an entry point for pathogens and pests. Therefore, the right cut is of great importance.
Basic Rules:
- always cut directly above a bud
- Only prune leading branches once the desired branch thickness has been reached
- Spare fruit wood, even if the optics suffer as a result
tips
Cut the main shoot for the first time when it is 100 centimeters tall. This promotes lateral growth.
taper cut
Remove all branches that cross or are parallel and disturb the overall picture. Specimens that are directed towards the inside of the crown or that grow steeply upwards are undesirable. Cut off overly long side branches at their base and cut off dead, old and diseased shoots close to the trunk or down to the healthy part. Shorten all young shoots by one or two buds.
Good to know
There is a reason why dwarf fruit trees remain so small. They are refined on a base. The lower trunk area is responsible for the growth of the grafted shoots. Spindle trees often sit on weak-growing bases. Thanks to this base, these specimens are limited to a height of three to four meters. Grafting points appear as thickenings in the trunk area and must not be cut off.