Pruning

 general rules of pruning

• Heading cuts should be made about ¼” above a lateral bud

• Thinning cuts back to a lateral branch or trunk

• Cuts should be made at an angle above a bud where possible

• Cuttings should not 

  • Be too close to the bud

  • Towards the bud

  • Leave too much left

Thinning

• Removal of branches back to their point of origin

• Used 

  • to decrease density of the canopy 

  • Encourage other branches to grow and rejuvenate plant

  • Redirect growth

Heading back

• Removal of the terminal portions of the branch 

• Used to 

  • Increase density of the canopy

  • Encourage branching 

 Need for pruning in tree fruit production

•  maintain desired form

• dwarfing and invigoration

• Increase productivity of equality

• equalize root/shoot ratio

• Health and safety