Pruning

Apical dominance

A strong central leader and inihibted lateral branching. The apical meristem dominates.

Apical control

More lateral branching and less vertical growth.

What happens when performing a heading back cut?

Breaking apical dominance. Allows lateral branching at the closest bud to the cut

What happens when breaking apical control?

A new leader can form from a nascent bud, but might not be as strong.

Kind of branching common in gymnosperms

Excurrent branching. Strong central leader. More vertical growth than lateral.

Kind of branching common in angiosperms

Decurrent branching. More lateral growth than vertical.

What is a heading back cut?

Cutting a section of branch back to a bud or set of buds

Tips for heading back cuts

Don’t leave too much of a stub, don’t cut too close to the base, and try to leave a bit of an angle so water doesn’t settle on it

What is a thinning cut?

Removing an entire branch or segment to its point of origin. Taking out bulk.

When to prune

While the chosen plant is dormant for more growth, or while the chosen plant is in peak for lessend regrowth

The 3 D's

Dead, damaged, diseased

Usual pruning “budget”

30% of the living canopy in one season

Exceptions to pruning “budget”

Renovation, up to 50%. 3D and sometimes crossing branches don’t count.

What is a reduction cut?

Removing the larger branch material when performing a thinning cut.

What is a removal cut?

More commonly used. Removing the smaller branch material during a thinning cut

What is the 3 cut method?

Making 3 strategic cuts when removing a larger branch in order to prevent ripping damage.

What is codit?

Compartmentalization of decay in trees

What is the purpose of codit?

The tree's way of preventing the spread of damage and/or rot into other parts of the tree.

Wall 1 of codit

Plugs up tissue below the wound to prevent spread. Weakest wall.

Wall 2 of codit

Formed in the growth rings and prevents horizontal spread towards the center.

Wall 3 of codit

Formed by Ray cells. Pie shaped sections around the wound. Strongest wall at time of injury. Can be toxic to microorganisms.

Wall 4 of codit

Strongest wall of all. New cambium layer formed to isolate the area from exposure.

The 2 types of fig crops

Breba (first) crop, and the main crop. Breba on previous growth and main on newest growth