Things to Consider when Pruning Fruit Trees 

by secure_admin | Nov 5, 2023 | Arborist

When it comes to pruning fruit trees, there are many things to consider.  

For fruit trees to bear fruit, they need plenty of sunlight and airflow. Pruning can help open up the canopy of the tree and improve airflow. It can also improve fruit yield and quality by removing crowded or damaged branches.  

Properly pruned fruit trees will be healthier and more productive, so taking your time when planning each cut is essential. With some knowledge and effort, you can ensure that your fruit trees are in top shape! 

Today, we’ll share with you some things to consider when pruning fruit trees. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact an arborist Sunshine Coast professional. 

Why Should You Prune Fruit Trees? 

Pruning fruit trees is an essential task for a gardener to ensure a bountiful harvest. By selectively removing dead or diseased branches and overcrowded or deformed growth, the tree can direct its energy into producing healthy fruit.  

In addition, pruning promotes air circulation and helps to prevent insect and disease infestations. It can also increase the size and quality of the fruit, as well as improve the tree’s overall appearance.  

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that pruning is such an essential part of fruit tree care! 

When Should You Prune Fruit Trees? 

The best time to prune fruit trees is in late winter or early spring before the sap starts flowing and new growth begins. This ensures that the cuts will heal quickly and that the tree can focus its energy on new fruit production.  

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you live in a climate with cold winters, it’s best to wait until after the last frost to prune your fruit trees. Otherwise, the cuts may not have enough time to heal before the cold weather sets in.  

Similarly, if you live in an area with scorching summers, you may need to prune your trees twice a year – once in spring and again in fall. Following these guidelines will ensure that your fruit trees are healthy and productive for years to come. 

How to Prune Fruit Trees 

Pruning fruit trees is an essential part of maintaining a healthy tree. By removing dead or diseased branches, you can encourage new growth and prevent the spread of disease.  

However, pruning is also a delicate process, and it’s essential to know when and how to prune your tree to avoid damaging it. The best time to prune most fruit trees is in late winter or early spring before the tree begins to produce new growth. This will give the tree time to heal before the growing season begins.  

Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or branch when pruning. Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as well as any branches that are growing into the center of the tree.  

Finally, don’t be afraid to thin out the foliage if necessary – this will allow more light and air to reach the fruit, resulting in a healthier crop. With some practice, you’ll be an expert at pruning fruit trees in no time! 

How to Deal with Tree Water Sprouts 

by secure_admin | Nov 2, 2023 | Arborist

Did you notice water sprouts growing on the tree in your lawn? Water sprouts are not really that appealing with their unpredictable growth patterns. They’ve got a tendency to grow outward in a range of directions. This results in an unappealing and messy look.   

To make things worse, water sprouts are extremely vulnerable to pests and disease. For those who don’t know, the thin shoots that originate from the trunk of a tree attract wood-devouring pests as well as disease-causing microbes.   

If you want to have a healthy and appealing lawn, you have to get rid of water sprouts. Aside from that, if you do not want to hire an arborist Sunshine Coast professional to cut your dead tree, you’ve got to take preventative measures.  

You Should Not Prune Too Much 

If you over prune a tree, it can develop water sprouts. This is particularly true if you prune the canopy of a tree aggressively.   

For those who don’t know, over-pruning promotes stress. This might encourage trees to develop water sprouts on the trunk.   

Of course, you can still prune your trees. However, you’ve got to be careful to lower the amount of stress it creates. An excellent general rule to follow is to prune no more than 1/3 of the branches of a tree. It might develop water sprouts if you prune more than 1/3 of the branches of a tree.   

Always Be Careful of Damages 

Water sprouts can develop through physical trauma. The biological defense mechanism might tell the tree to grow water sprouts if its trunk is damaged. Thus, whenever you are working on your lawn, you have to be cautious to prevent your trees from physical trauma.   

Hitting the trunk of your tree accidentally with weed eater or lawnmower can cause it to grow water sprouts.   

Get Rid of the Water Sprouts Correctly  

Pruning the water sprouts is the most successful method to deal with them. You might kill water sprouts if you use an herbicide. However, it comes at the cost of also damaging the tree in the process. You can safely get rid of water sprouts without harming the tree if you prune them.   

If possible, you should try to cut water sprouts as close to the trunk of the tree whenever you’re pruning them. The remaining ¼ might regrow if you only get rid of ¾ of a water sprout.   

You have to prune the flush of the water sprouts with the trunk of the tree to stop them from re-growing. You can also hire a professional tree service company to get rid of the water sprouts for you.   

Water Your Trees Properly 

It is vital to regularly water the trees. Else, new water sprouts might develop. Oftentimes, a tree can develop water sprouts because of stress.  

Water sprouts are a biological defense mechanism that is made to help trees thrive. For instance, a tree might develop water sprouts in an effort to stay alive when it’s dehydrated severely.   

Thus, you’ve got to take protective ways towards watering the trees on the lawn.