November is the last chance for gardeners to get important work done before the winter cold sets in.
Experienced specialists claim that timely autumn pruning of trees allows not only to form a beautiful crown, but also to protect plants from possible winter damage.
Favorable conditions for autumn pruning
Autumn pruning of trees requires special attention to weather conditions. The procedure is recommended to be carried out at an air temperature of at least 0°C in dry, windless weather.
The optimal period is considered to be the first two weeks of November, when the leaves have already fallen and frost has not yet arrived.
Peculiarities of pruning different types of trees
Fruit trees require a special approach to pruning. Apple and pear trees tolerate autumn pruning quite well. The main attention should be paid to removing diseased, dry and damaged branches.
Stone fruit trees such as cherries and plums are best pruned in the spring, as fall wounds can lead to fungal diseases.
Rules for pruning
The main rule of autumn tree pruning is the removal of injured, diseased and dry branches.
The cuts are made at an angle of 45 degrees with a sharp and clean tool. Large branches are removed in several stages to avoid cracking the bark. After pruning, all wounds are treated with garden pitch or a special putty.
Tools for quality pruning
The success of the procedure largely depends on the right tool. Garden pruning shears are used to cut thin branches up to 2 cm in diameter.
For thicker branches, use a lopper. A garden saw is indispensable when removing large branches. All tools should be well sharpened and disinfected.
Protecting trees after pruning
Treatment of wounds after pruning is considered a mandatory step. Garden pitch protects cuts from penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and prevents moisture loss. Modern gardeners also use special protective paints and compounds that accelerate the wound healing process.
Common mistakes when pruning
Gardeners often make mistakes that can harm trees. These include: pruning too hard, leaving stumps, cutting at the wrong angle, and using a blunt tool.
It is important to remember that excessive pruning weakens the tree before winter and can lead to its death.
The effect of pruning on yield
Correctly carried out autumn pruning has a positive effect on the future harvest.
Removing excess and diseased branches allows the tree to direct its energy towards the formation of fruit buds.
Proper thinning of the crown provides better lighting and ventilation, which contributes to high-quality ripening of fruits in the next season.
