Orchard Network

After about 8-10 years of formative pruning the basic shape of the tree should be formed, and the emphasis moves towards fruit production. The aim is to keep the crown open to let in light and air. This is done by removing diseased, damaged and badly positioned branches, and ensuring that the remaining branches do not crowd, shade or rub against each other. The timing and amount of pruning required can vary considerably depending on the type of fruit tree. Each tree is individual and should be pruned accordingly.

With sensitive maintenance pruning it should be possible to generate a large, high quality fruit crop without significantly reducing the wildlife value of the orchard.

Vegetative growth versus fruit production

Maintenance pruning helps retain a balance between generating vegetative growth (to produce young wood and rejuvenate the tree) and inducing the formation of fruit buds (to produce good crops). Problems develop when this balance is lost. Without pruning, most buds develop as fruit buds rather than shoots. Conversely, pruning hard makes a shoot or branch grow back more vigorously. Therefore, the general rule is that strongly growing shoots should be left alone, moderately growing shoots should be pruned lightly, and poorly growing shoots should be pruned hard.

Growth forms and fruiting habit (in apple and pear trees)

Apples and pears both form buds along each year's maiden laterals in the base of each leaf. These buds can develop into either fruit buds or growth buds, or remain dormant. In the second year growth buds form new laterals, while fruit buds form spurs that produce flowers and bear fruit. Over time these develop into clusters called spur systems.

Tip vs. spur-bearers

Tip-bearing varieties form fruit buds near the tip of each lateral, while spur-bearers form them at the base. This determines the way the tree is pruned. Most varieties are spur-bearing varieties.

Downloads

Maintenance Pruning I PDF - download the full guide