LECT 6B-PRUNING

PRUNING

  • Definition: Pruning (pemangkasan) is the removal or reduction of parts of a plant, tree, or vine to promote growth and health, or to improve aesthetics.

Key Principles of Pruning

  • Remove unnecessary plant parts such as stems, branches, shoots, roots, flowers, and fruits.

  • Control tree growth, repair shape, and enhance tree function.

Purpose of Pruning

  1. Control Tree Size

  2. Remove Weak and Dead Branches

  3. Remove Diseased Branches

  4. Promote Bud, Flower, and Fruit Production

    • Stimulative pruning enhances yield.

  5. Improve Tree Shape

    • Remove wilted/dried flowers and dead branches.

    • Promote bud growth; produce special structures like topiary, espalier, and bonsai.

  6. Enhance Tree Health

    • Remove closely growing leaves for better air circulation.

Architectural Designs in Pruning

  • Complex, abstract shapes require frequent maintenance but provide a stunning focal point.

  • Use frameworks made from strong materials to create intricate topiary designs.

Creating a Simple Design

  1. For young plants, use a cutting guide with canes and wire.

  2. Shape the plant by eye with secateurs to maintain a precise outline.

Formative Pruning Techniques

  • Before pruning:

    • Identify leaders (dominant branches) and remove competing branches.

  • After pruning:

    • Trim back laterals and leaders to achieve bushy growth.

Tree Anatomy for Pruning

  • Central Leader: The main branch dominant in the tree structure.

  • Scaffold Branches: Side branches that form the canopy, needing management to maintain shape.

  • Canopy and Suckers: The upper layer of foliage and unwanted buds that should be removed.

  • Water Sprouts: Growth along the stems that need pruning.

  • crotch : connection point of branch with trunk or more bigger branch

Pruning Techniques

  • Heading Back: Cutting or shortening branches above a bud to encourage lateral growth.

    • Initiates new shoot and promotes compact growth.

  • Thinning: Complete removal of branches back to the main branch, ensuring tree shape is preserved while improving air circulation.

Tools for Pruning

  • Hand Pruners (Secateurs): For small twigs.

  • Loppers: For branches up to 4 cm in diameter.

  • Hedge Shears: For trimming hedges and young plants.

  • Pruning Saw: For medium-sized branches (3-6 cm).

  • Power Pruner: For larger branches.

  • Axes: For big tree branches and roots.

Pruning Established Trees

  • Prune back shoots every 1-2 years to stimulate new growth.

  • Remove crossovers and undesirable branches to achieve a vigorous, well-shaped plant.

Hedge Shaping Techniques

  1. Stretch string between posts as a guide

  2. Cut template for the hedge shape and follow it as you prune.

Making Pruning Cuts

  • Cut just above promising buds or branches.

  • Avoid leaving stubs that won’t heal.

Additional Cutting Techniques

  • Pinching: Removes terminal buds to promote branching (e.g. chrysanthemum).

  • Shearing: Removes outer growth for aesthetic shape without removing dead branches.

  • Pollarding: Cuts back the tree to control size and shape; focuses on young growing shoots.

Best Practices for Cutting

  • Use a slanting angle for cuts to encourage healthy bud growth.

  • Monitor direction of growth and trim accordingly.

Establishing Young Trees

  • Follow a systematic approach to prune young trees for balanced growth and structure.

  • Remove congested and crossing shoots to ensure a proper framework.

Pruning Fruit Trees

  • Heading Back: Encourages lateral branching.

  • Thinning Out: Removes unwanted branches to support healthy fruit growth.

Conclusion

  • Effective pruning promotes plant health, aesthetics, and yields in fruit trees.

  • Utilize the right tools and techniques to achieve desired results.