Farmer Gardener Summer resident site

The main forms of crowns, the order and technique of pruning,
crown formation of a young tree

What you need to know to successfully master the pruning technique

Pruning trees and forming a crown is a serious matter, but if you wish, everyone can understand the principles, understand the essence of the process and achieve compactness, large-fruitedness, and productivity from their apple trees.

Of all the activities carried out in the garden, perhaps the most difficult, especially for beginner gardeners. Pruning a fruit tree is nothing more than surgical intervention into his Organism, and the slightest mistakes made at the same time, especially in relation to newly planted young trees, are fraught with serious consequences.

The need for a systematic and consistent formation of the crown of a young tree is justified by the fact that an adult tree, in our case, must have sufficient strength for the fusion of crown branches with a central conductor, good lighting all their sites, which contributes to the formation of fruits not only on the outer, but also in the inner zone of the crown.

In addition, in order to increase the density of plantings, improve the convenience in caring for the crown and harvesting, it is necessary to choose such a formation system so that even mature trees are of small height with a small crown.

In practical gardening, various systems for the formation of fruit trees are common, but the most accessible for amateur gardeners and at the same time a universal crown is a small-sized sparse-tiered crown.

The main forms of crowns

Small-sized sparse-tiered crown

It is recommended as the main formation for plantings, both on vigorous and weak-growing rootstocks. In this case, the crown is formed, as a rule, from 5 skeletal (main) branches of the first order on a trunk 60-70 cm high.

In the lower part, a tier is created from two adjacent or close, opposite branches. Others are located sparsely with an interval between the lower tier and the third branch of at least 60 cm, the rest - after 30-40 cm. The upper branch (5th or 6th) is laid at a height of 1.8-2.1 m.

Semi-skeletal branches 1-2 m long are formed on skeletal branches. They are placed singly or in groups of two or three, on the lateral and outer sides of the main branches. Between groups of semi-skeletal ramifications, an interval of 40-60 cm is maintained.

The skeletal branches are placed at an angle of 40-45° to the line of the row, which makes it possible to create a more convenient shape flattened from the side of the row spacing, to reduce the width of the row spacing and to increase the plant density per unit area. The specified formation system makes it possible to limit the height of trees at the level of 2.5-3.0 m.

(in the second or fourth year after planting): on the left - before pruning, on the right - after pruning

Semi-flat crown

The crown consists of a well-developed central conductor and 4-6 skeletal branches of the first order, directed at an angle of no more than 30 ° to the row line.

The lower tier is laid out of two opposite branches, between which an interval of 20-30 cm is permissible in height. The remaining branches are placed sparsely along the trunk. The third branch is laid with an interval of at least 60 cm, the next - after 40-50 cm. As a result, a semi-flat crown forms fruit walls 3.0-3.5 m wide, 2.5-3.5 m high.

Rounded fusiform crown

The crown is formed from lateral branches evenly spaced around the central conductor. The lower tier consists of 5-7 branches, which are given an inclination of 25-35 ° to the horizons in order to weaken the growth. With a smaller number of branches in the first tier, they are excessively strengthened, with a larger number, they do not reach the required size and sag greatly under the weight of the fruit.

The number of branches in subsequent tiers may be greater than in the lower tier, or less. To slow down growth strengthening reproductive functions they are given a horizontal or slightly elevated position. Crown parameters depending on the strength of growth, rootstocks and varieties: height 2.5-3.5 m, width up to 3.5-4 m.

A fully formed crown in the lower part has small openings from the side of the row spacing, which make it more convenient for trimming and cleaning rugs. Making openings in the crown is carried out by spreading the branches growing in the aisle to the sides, fixing them in this position with a garter and using pruning for translation.

Flat fusiform crown

Recommended for extensive production testing. It consists of a well-developed central conductor and two strong opposite skeletal branches forming a palmet layer and semi-skeletal branches. Skeletal branches and the bulk of semi-skeletal branches are formed in the plane of the row.

For some weakening of growth, strengthening of branching and stimulation of fruiting the skeletal branches are given an inclination of 55-60 ° from the vertical, and the semi-skeletal branches located above the conductor are horizontal or slightly elevated. Between the main branches in height, an interval of 20-30 cm is permissible.

Semi-skeletal branches, depending on the shoot-forming ability of the varieties and their divergence in space, are placed on the sides of the central conductor after 20-40 cm. In varieties with a pronounced growth layer, these branches are placed in tiers of 4-6 each. In this case, an interval of 40-45 cm is required between tiers.

Length of skeletal branches, growing along the line of the row, depending on the strength of the growth of rootstocks and the density of placement of trees in a row, it can reach 1-1.8 m in the lower part of the crown, and 0.7-1.5 m in the upper part. The length of semi-skeletal branches growing to the side row spacing is limited by the accepted thickness of the fruit wall. As the crowns grow, branches of this orientation are gradually removed to a ring or transferred to branches growing along the row line.

Trimming order and technique

Pruning of trees during the period of crown formation should be minimal and intensify as yields increase and growth processes weaken.

Correct branch cuts

This means that with the minimum necessary alienation of wood, it is ensured that completed and well-made crowns are obtained in the shortest possible time, with the maximum growth rate of the leaf surface and fruit wood. This is achieved as a result of the extensive use of the inclination of skeletal and semi-skeletal branches and the limitation of undercut.

At the same time, pruning the central conductor in order to branch at the desired height, shortening the main branches (at their optimal angle of inclination) to increase branching or subordination, cutting competitors that cannot be tilted, vertical shoots and branches with sharp outlet ears must be done very carefully.

Leaving temporary branches on the central conductor contributes to a faster growth of the leaf surface and fruit wood in many formations. But this is permissible only in varieties whose branches sharply dull growth when they are transferred to a horizontal or slightly drooping position and do not form a significant number of tops. In varieties such as Pepin Saffron, Autumn Striped and others, weakly or not at all responsive to the slope, it is not advisable to leave temporary branches.

Rejuvenating pruning of trees is started when the length of the terminal growths of skeletal and semi-skeletal branches becomes less than 25-30 cm. The first anti-aging pruning is carried out on two-three-year-old wood. By its strength, such pruning in the first years of fruiting is quite sufficient to maintain active growth and obtain high-quality fruits. As yields increase and trees age, it intensifies and is carried out on more “old” wood with a yearly growth of at least 40 cm.

In mature plantations, as the crowns thicken, rejuvenating pruning is combined with the cutting of the least valuable branches to improve the radiation regime of the crowns. When carrying out anti-aging pruning, the principle of subordination of branches in the crown must be strictly observed in order to preserve, and in some cases improve its shape and design.

The main feature that determines the timing of the start of limiting the height of trees in plantations with rounded and semi-flat formations is natural opening crown, which usually occurs after two or three plentiful harvests, when the tops of the branches deviate quite far from the central conductor.

In plantations with rounded and semi-flat formations, the procedure for limiting or reducing the height of trees should be preceded by opening the center of the crowns.

The central conductor is cut out at the accepted height with a “protective link”, strong vertical branches and ramifications in the center of the crown are also cut out. Carrying out this improves the radiation regime in the central part of the crowns, reduces the number of strong vertical regrowth growths in the zone of cut branches.

In order to reduce the activity of restoration processes in the upper part of the crowns, pruning to limit the height of trees is best done in late spring or early summer.

Formation of the crown of a young apple tree

Fruit nurseries and horticultural associations sell planting material of pome species (apple, pear), as a rule, in biennial age.

A two-year-old is planted in a permanent place in the garden so that the main (skeletal) branches of the first tier of the future tree (no more than three) are located at an angle of 30-45 ° to the row line. In the spring of the first year, they carefully monitor the angles of branches from the central conductor (50-55 °) and the angles of their divergence (90-120 °). To do this, use spacers and twine. Briefly, by 4-5 buds, a competitor is shortened, if any, in the future (after 1-2 years) it is removed.

The first minimum pruning of planted trees is carried out in early spring, in the second year of planting, in order to subordinate the branches.

Trimming starts with least developed branch selected as the main one in the lower tier. Cut off at 1/4-1/3 of its length so that it is at least 40 cm. The rest of the branches of the first tier are cut off at the same level. Particular attention is paid to the choice of the kidney on which the cut is made. Equally important is the pruning technique. Varieties with a pyramidal crown are cut to a bud located on the outside, and with a spreading crown - to a bud located inside.

The cut is carried out over the selected kidney, leaving a spine 1.5-2 cm long, which will dry out and fall off safely in 1-2 growing seasons. This is how we guarantee kidney safety, from which a continuation shoot grows during the growing season, which is not always achieved when cutting directly above the kidney. This rule only applies when pruning annual shoots.

Often they resort to another method. Varieties with a pyramidal crown (Northern Sinap, Anisy etc.) in spite of everything, they are cut to a bud located inside the crown, and the next year they are cut to a shoot that has grown from a bud located outside, thereby achieving the greatest effect in opening the crown.

In varieties with a wide crown ( Pepin Shafranny, Berkutovskoe, Zhigulevskoe etc.) on the contrary: first, a cut is made on the outer bud, and then it is carried out on the shoot that has grown inside, achieving a more compact structure of the tree crown. The central conductor is cut 15-25 cm above the level of the branches in the tier. A lesser predominance of the conductor is in varieties with a spreading crown, more - with a pyramidal one.

Center conductor cut carried out over a well-developed kidney, located in such a way that the continuation shoot that grew out of it further ensured its straightness, preventing or correcting its curvature.

All other branches that are not chosen as the main ones are by no means removed and, as a rule, are not cut short, but left in the tree, but do not give them the opportunity to compete in growth strength with the main branches. For this, various methods of weakening the growth of branches: increasing the angle of deviation from the central conductor by tying it with twine to a horizontal position, interlacing them together, placing them under a stronger branch, deformation (careful repeated bending of the branch until the wood crackles and the bark is slightly torn).

These temporary branches are needed for the fastest increase in the area of ​​​​leaves on the tree, which will contribute to the better development of the young tree and its rapid entry into fruiting. The first fruits will be obtained precisely on weakly growing branches, which are covered with short branches that turn into fruit formations (collets, spears, fruit twigs).

The twine used for shaping is tied on the branches and trunk of the tree with a “figure eight” to prevent their constriction, and after 1.5-2 months or even the next year, it is removed. In the next 5-6 years, and sometimes more, they continue to form the crown of the tree every year, maintaining the subordination of the branches to each other and to the central conductor, trying, if possible, to withstand the requirements of a sparsely-tiered crown.

Angles of departure of the main skeletal branches: 1 - unacceptable: too sharp angle (less than 45 °);
2 - allowable angle (45°); 3 - good angle (60°); 4 - permissible, right angle; 5 - invalid obtuse angle

Depending on the selected planting scheme (nourishing area), the crown of an adult tree can have from 4 to 6 main branches.

It is advisable to place rows of trees on seed (strong) rootstocks at a distance of 6 m, and between trees in a row - 3.5 m. Of course, deviations of 1 m in the distance between rows and 0.5 m between trees in the direction of decreasing or magnification. At small area supply they form 4 main branches, with a large one - 5-6 branches, which have a strong but uniform development along the length (3-3.5 m) and a thickness equal to 0.5 of the thickness of the Central conductor.

A large number of semi-skeletal branches are formed on the main branches, placing them 30-40 cm apart, in pairs or singly, in a position close to horizontal, 1-1.5 m long. The same branches are also formed on the central conductor. They quickly become covered with small overgrown twigs, lay fruit buds and contribute to the growth of fruiting.

In the future, with thickening of the crown (after 10 years), they can be gradually thin out. The lower tier is laid out of 2 branches, the subsequent main branches are placed as follows: the third branch, or the second tier of 2 branches, can be laid at a distance of 60 cm from the lower tier, and the subsequent ones at intervals of 30-40 cm - sparsely. The upper branches are placed above the lower ones, with sufficient divergence angles.

In order to coordinate the branches, all the main branches are annually shortened at the same level (by 1/3 of the length of the weakest of them), and the central conductor is given an advantage of 20-25 cm, in order to avoid its extinction.

On the main branches and directly on the central conductor, semi-skeletal branches are formed by bringing them to a horizontal position, and only in exceptional cases by cutting.

crown formation trees continue until the upper 5th or 6th branch deviates from the central conductor by 1-1.5 m. This can happen for 6-8 years, depending on the growing conditions. After that, the central conductor is cut out above the last branch (at a height of 1.6-1.8 m) in order to open and lighten the crown. The cut is made with a "protective link", i.e. leave part of the removed branch (equal to about 10 times its thickness) with a small branch.

1-2 years after the thickening of the main branch, above which the conductor is removed, the "protective link" is cut into a ring. On the "protective link" during the growing season, shoots appearing from dormant buds in a green (non-lignified) form are removed in order to prevent their increased growth, and therefore even greater thickening and shading of the crown in subsequent years.

During the fruiting period, annual growth is monitored and if it drops to 25-30 cm, they are rejuvenating pruning for 2-3-year-old wood, i.e. on the wood of the year when the annual growth was at least 40 cm. The cut is made in the lower part of a strong growth per branch. They do this in order to always have a fairly good vegetative growth on the crown of the tree, which guarantees the laying of new fruit formations and further yields of high-quality fruits.

Thus, pruning of a young tree before it begins to bear fruit is carried out systematically, annually, but minimally, only for the purpose of subordinating branches. Other methods of crown formation are widely used without the use of a cutting tool (garter, weave, branch slope, pinching and removal of green shoots). This avoids excessive height during the period of full fruiting of the tree.

Formative pruning of young apple trees is carried out in early spring (March). It is harmful to carry it out in late spring (April, May), since the blooming upper buds are removed, which weakens the tree and delays its growth and development. Slices are cleaned with a garden knife and covered with garden pitch.

Classification sparsely - tiered system for the formation of fruit trees

It is used on all fruit species, on seed (strong) and medium (clonal, dusenah - M - 4, M - 2 and other rootstocks). Such a crown of fruit trees is formed from 5 - 7 skeletal branches of the first order.

On a young seedling of a fruit tree, 60 cm are left on the bole zone and 2–3 branches are laid in the lower tier, which have grown from adjacent buds, evenly spaced with divergence angles of 120–180 cm. Sometimes 4 branches of the first order are left in the first tier, since they could grow through the kidney and will have divergence angles of 90 0 C.

The following skeletal branches are laid in the second tier. The distance between the first and second tiers is 50 - 60 cm for low-growing fruit trees and for vigorous ones - 80 cm. The branches in the second tier are located one from the other at a distance of at least 20 cm, they should evenly fill the volume of the fruit tree crown.

The fruit tree should have good illumination, branches of the second order are laid only on the branches of the first order, located in the first tier. They are laid in 2 - 3 branches, and the first of them should be no closer than 40 cm from the central conductor, the other two (at the same distance) - grown from side branches on the continuation shoot.

Between the tiers of the skeletal branches of the fruit tree along the central conductor and between the branches of the second order, after 20 - 40 cm, auxiliary, weaker shoots are left, which bear the overgrowing fruit branches. The formation of fruit trees by this method is carried out for 4-5 years.

All shoots of the continuation of the skeletal branches of fruit trees and the central conductor are annually shortened by 1/3 - 1/4 of their length. Thanks to this technique, the buds on the shoots continue in the zone 20 - 25 cm below the cut germinate together, and therefore it is easier to select and place branches in the crown.

You can not get carried away shortening the branches of fruit trees, otherwise you can delay the fruiting of the whole tree.

This method of pruning fruit trees is forced.

When forming any crown of fruit trees, it is important to observe the principle of subordination of branches. It is unacceptable when the upper branches, being at an acute angle to the central conductor, oppress adjacent branches and branches of the lower tier. There are several ways to balance them in growth. Choose departure angles of at least 45 - 50 0 C, or correct them with spacers, braces, or best of all, cut to a side branch so that the upper branches are slightly weaker and shorter than the branches of the first tier.

After the formation of the fruit tree crown skeleton is completed, its height should be:

On a vigorous rootstock (SCS) - 4 - 4.5 m;

On medium height (M - 4, MM - 106, etc.) - 3 - 3.5 m;

On dwarf rootstocks - M - 26, M - 9 - 2.5 m.

In order to achieve these parameters, already from the 7th - 8th year, it is necessary to shorten the corresponding side branches of fruit trees.

The width of the crown of a fruit tree should be such that the light corridor between the rows remains at least 2 m, with a gap between the trees in a row of 0.3 - 0.4 m.

A sparsely-tiered crown is formed from 5-6 branches instead of the previous 5-8. The branches are placed tiered and sparse, and the tier is limited to two or three adjacent or adjacent branches.

With the previous eight branches, most varieties were allowed to leave three adjacent branches in the lower tier. The presence of 4-5 branches above this tier ensures that sufficient conductor power is maintained and restrains excessive strengthening of the lower branches. Only in varieties with weak mechanical bonds and with eight branches, the tier was limited to two branches. Forming a crown of 5-6 branches, the tier should be limited to two branches and in all varieties with a pyramidal crown. The small deviation of the branches, characteristic of these varieties, enhances their growth, and under these conditions, three branches above the three-branch layer will not provide the necessary predominance of the conductor.

In the crown of eight branches in the lower tier, four branches were also allowed through the kidney. With 5-6 branches, such a tier is completely excluded: the laying of 1-2 branches over a four-branch group is insufficient for the development of a strong leader.

In varieties with a wide crown, when laying six branches, up to three adjacent branches can be left in the lower tier. If the crown is formed from only five branches, then in these varieties the lower tier should be limited to two branches.

In trees with two branches in the lower tier, another pair of adjacent branches can be placed in the middle part of the crown. But in the open crown above the middle tier, at least two single branches must be laid in two adjacent branches: after cutting the continuation of the conductor, one final branch over the two-knot tier does not provide sufficient predominance of the conductor in the upper part of the crown. In cases where the continuation of the conductor is preserved, one final branch is sufficient over a two-knot tier. This provision defines the following possible options for placing branches:
a) in an open crown of six branches, the lower tier of three branches, and the next three are sparse; lower and second tiers of two branches; the top two singly;
b) in a crown of five branches - the lower tier of two branches, and the rest are sparse.

Laying two branches in the lower tier, the third on the opposite side of the trunk can be selected at a short distance - within 15-30 cm. In the middle zone and in the south, the following branches are laid at intervals of 60-100 cm, and in varieties with a wide crown, you can leave intervals of 60-80 cm, while others require an interval of 80-100 cm. In more severe areas, the interval can be reduced to 50-60 cm.

The interval between single branches in the middle and upper parts of the crown depends on the position of the upper branch in relation to the underlying ones. If it is directed in the opposite direction from the angle of divergence of the two lower branches, the interval may be small, within 20-40 cm. Otherwise, the interval is increased to 60-80 cm.

The general rule for branch placement is as follows. Each branch located above the angle of divergence of the underlying two must be separated from them by a large distance (the distance is considered from the base of the upper one). No more time is spent on laying five or six branches with increased intervals between groups and individual branches than on laying eight branches.

In gardens with more rare standing of trees (more than 4 m in a row), the crown can be formed from skeletal branches of the first and second orders, although it is better to limit it to one branching order. Branches of the second order are formed only on the three lower branches, no more than two on each. The third one can be chosen as a backup.

As the study showed, in a low crown, the cultivation of branches of the second order on the upper branches leads to a thickening of the top. On the skeletal branches of the first and second orders, semi-skeletal branches of limited length are formed: within 1-1.5 m on the lower part of the branches and shorter at the top. Skeletal branches of the second order are placed sparsely on both sides of the main branch, and semi-skeletal ones can be selected in groups of two or three on the lateral and outer sides of the skeletal branch.

Do not allow only the formation of semi-skeletal branches on the inside of the branch. Between groups of semi-skeletal branches, an interval of 40-60 cm is maintained. In the south, for strongly branching varieties, it can be increased to 80 cm. After laying the main branches, the continuation of the conductor is removed, opening the crown.

With this formation sparsely-tiered crown should have no more than 12 skeletal branches of both orders. The height of the crown is limited to 3.5-4 m. In gardens with compact trees (4 m in a row), the crown skeleton is built from branches of the same order. These branches form semi-skeletal branches.

In gardens with a higher planting density (less than 4 m in a row), the number of branches is reduced to 4-5 and 3-4, depending on the accepted density. When laying four branches, their convergence is allowed only for the two lower ones or all branches are placed sparsely. Forming a crown of three branches, they are placed only sparsely. In the latter case, the sparse-tiered placement is replaced by a non-tiered one.

The bases for the formation of a sparse-tiered crown are: the inadmissibility of more than three branches in a tier and the removal of a conductor over a close group of branches;
determination of the necessary intervals and the order of placement of branches, depending on the angles of divergence, the total number of branches and varietal characteristics;
restriction of skeletal orders.

FORMING SYSTEMS

In the Central District, nurseries produce seedlings of two-year-olds, formed according to some system. In the garden, the formation continues, but it should not be done in a pattern. It is better to take into account which system the tree is folded in order to cut it less.

The main ones are the following formation systems.

Whorled-tiered, five-legged. Tiers are laid with 3-5 branches, as a rule, from neighboring buds. A whorl is created. Many gardens are formed according to this system. Then the next tiers are laid, but so that the branches are in the gaps between the branches of the previous tiers.

The interval between tiers is at least 90-100 cm, if 5 branches were previously laid, in cases with fewer branches in a tier, the distance can be 60-70 cm. The total number of large skeletal branches on an apple tree is 8-12 pieces. The advantage of the system is the ease of formation. The disadvantage is the thickening of the crown, the fragility of fastening the branches, the damage of the bole near the whorl (freezing of the bark).

Tierless system. Skeletal branches are placed sparsely and at a large distance (15-20 cm or more) from one another, which delays the formation, it is necessary to cut out intermediate branches. Skeletal branches are created 5-6, less often - 8. The conductor is removed. With this system, a very empty crown is created, with few branches.

Sparse-tiered system. The combination of whorled and single arrangement of branches. There are no more than 2-3 branches in the whorl, developing from neighboring buds. The next tier is laid with one branch at a distance of 40 cm, it can be from two at a distance of 40-70 cm or from three at 80-100 cm. The combination and arrangement of tiers and single branches along the trunk is arbitrary, the conductor is removed above the last lateral branch, always single .

Pruning young apple trees. The main purpose of pruning young trees is crown formation. Its strength is determined by the development and location of the skeletal branches in relation to each other and to the central conductor. These principles are common to pome and stone fruits.

The conductor must be taller and stronger than the skeletal branches.

The thickness of the skeletal branches extending from the conductor should be no more than half the diameter of the stem (the place of the trunk is below the branches), but not very thin, since thin branches (less than 0.4 trunk diameter) turn into semi-skeletal, quickly lag behind in growth and then they make it a backup.

Skeletal branches are left with an angle of departure of more than 40-45 °, and if the angle is less, they are weakened or cut out.

If the branch angle is very sharp, spacers can be placed between them (Fig. 12). Weak branches are pulled up with twine. If you give weak branches a more upright position, they will grow stronger.

For a good development of the central conductor and the creation of a sufficient number of skeletal branches on it, there should not be more than three branches in the lower tiers. In some cases, there may be four branches if they are formed not from the middle kidneys, but through one kidney. In both cases, the branches must be arranged so that the angle between adjacent branches is at least 90°.

Shoots are usually cut off on the outer bud, but some varieties of apple trees (Autumn striped, Pepin saffron, Pepin Lithuanian, etc.) can also be cut off on the inner bud. When pruning to a lateral bud, the branch retains its previous position relative to the trunk, changing only the direction (Fig. 13).

When forming the crown, moderate pruning is most effective. First, all shoots are pinched that are not needed for the development of skeletal branches from them, and as they grow, they are removed or shortened. This must be done in a timely manner so that strong branches do not have to be removed when they thicken the crown. In this way, the growth of skeletal and overgrowing branches is regulated, bifurcations are eliminated, the central conductor is promoted, large and temporary branches that thicken the crown are removed, and annual shoots are shortened, taking into account the awakening of the buds, branching and growth strength of the shoots.

Varieties with a spreading crown (Autumn striped, Pepin saffron, Pepin Lithuanian) often do not have a clearly defined leader and do not lay subsequent crown tiers. Such varieties also need to be formed taking into account their biological characteristics.

The formation of the crown of young trees can be considered complete when the main branches are laid on the trunk, and on them - branches of the second and third, and fourth orders.

After planting in the garden, seedlings are pruned in the spring, even if they were planted in the fall. In some farms, pruning of seedlings is not carried out in the first year after planting - this ensures a high survival rate of seedlings, but in the next year they have to be pruned for two-year-old wood.

Pruning starts from the middle of the crown. Before pruning the central conductor (leader), they calculate in advance how long it should be shortened, given the height of the side shoots, it must be higher than the skeletal branches after pruning: for varieties with a spreading crown, by 5-15 cm, and for varieties with pyramidal crown - 20-25 cm.

Following the central conductor, competitor shoots and strong branches extending from the trunk at a very sharp angle are strongly cut. It is better to shorten them rather than cut them, so as not to cause large wounds on the central conductor and the trunk of the tree.

3-5 lateral shoots (future skeletal branches) are left at the seedling, cutting them so that the ends of the shoots are at the same level. Usually they are guided by branches of medium strength, which are shortened by one third or half of their length (growth). If you focus on weak branches, you will have to cut off most of the growth, which will weaken the tree and may delay its entry into fruiting. In some cases, it is more correct to have one weak skeletal branch in the crown, but not to weaken the rest because of it.

During the year of growth in the garden, the fruit seedling thickens, while some skeletal branches grow stronger, while others lag behind. Branches growing inside the crown and competing are severely pruned or cut into a ring. Very long shoots and shoots In varieties with poor bud awakening, they are shortened (taking into account varietal characteristics). Strong skeletal branches are pruned more to equalize with other similar branches.

In the second year after planting, new tiers are formed on the conductor. In the upper tiers, 1-2-3 branches can be left, which should be directed in different directions. The distances between the tiers are at least 40-60 cm, but if there is only one branch in the tier, the distance between it and the branches of the adjacent tier is allowed at 25 cm.

All branches are subordinated to the conductor (so that they are below it). On skeletal branches, all overgrown branches must also be weaker in order to maintain a certain subordination. This applies to all subsequent orders of branches (Fig. 14)

Pear cut. In the structure of the crown and in the features of growth and fruiting, the pear is similar to the apple tree. The crown of a pear folds naturally quite well. Usually it is rarer and lighter than that of an apple tree, and the fastening of skeletal branches with a conductor is stronger and the conductor dominates over skeletal branches.

The fruit bud of the pear is mixed and apical in position on the annual growth. When fruiting, a strong fruit bag and usually one or two shortened growths (ringlets, spears, less often fruit twigs) are formed at the top of the branch.

Strong fruit twigs at the top of the annual growth branch and turn into complex fruit branches, maintaining productivity up to 7-12 years. The branches in the lower part of the annual growth are weaker, almost do not branch, die relatively early or freeze out even in mild winters.

Young pear trees often freeze slightly and a large number of tops appear on them, which thicken the crown. These tops are shortened to turn them into semi-skeletal overgrown branches. Inconveniently located tops are cut out.

In the northern and central regions, pears need to be cut very little so as not to weaken the trees and not to delay their entry into fruiting. In a pear, strong annual growths should be moderately shortened in order to increase branching and enhance the development of overgrown branches in the lower parts of the growths.

Pruning pears during periods of growth and the beginning of fruiting is similar to pruning apple trees with good awakening of daughters and weak branching (Grushovka Moscow, Breading).

Cherry pruning. Cherry early fruiting, but quickly aging. Like an apple tree, cherries need to be formed at a young age, and moderately pruned annually during the fruiting period so that they do not reduce productivity. In the middle lane, the productivity of cherries decreases at the age of about 15 years, and even earlier with poor care. At the same time, the growth and branching of skeletal branches weakens, they become bare and begin to dry out.

Cherries bear fruit on annual growths, that is, on growths of the previous year, and on bouquet twigs. Varieties of cherries according to the nature of fruiting are divided into bushy and tree-like, which must be taken into account when pruning.

Bushy varieties (Vladimirskaya, Lyubskaya, Fertile Michurina) bear fruit on annual growths. Their flower buds form along the entire length of annual growths.

Tree-like varieties (flask pink, Podbelskaya) bear fruit mainly on bouquet twigs.

Cherry pruning tasks change with age. After planting on a cherry seedling, 3-7 strong branches are left, directed in different directions. There should be a distance of 8-10 cm between them, and it is better if they were not formed from adjacent kidneys. The stem of the tree is created small, 25-40 cm high. The branches located below on the stem, as well as the weak ones located above, are cut into a ring. In weak seedlings, in order not to weaken them, the branches are shortened a little.

The main branches are cut at the same height. The central conductor can rise above the main branches by 15-20 cm. Cherry pruning is carried out only in the spring and, if pruning is late, it is postponed until next year.

In the years following planting (after 5-6 years), the number of skeletal branches is increased and their growth is regulated. Bush cherry varieties should have 10-15 skeletal branches, and tree varieties should have 8-10.

In fruit-bearing cherries of a bushy type, thickening branches are cut out for thinning the crown (rubbing, intertwining and going inside the crown). It is better to cut one large branch than many small ones. The cut is made above the branch pointing upwards (Fig. 15). Thickened trees are thinned out within 2-3 years.

In varieties of tree-type cherries, more strictly ensure that the branches do not intertwine. To do this, not only branches are shortened, but also annual growths longer than 50 cm. Weak growths (less than 25-30 cm) are not shortened so as not to reduce the yield. Anti-aging pruning is carried out strongly, shortening the side branches to 4-7-year-old wood.

Overgrowth and strong shoots on the trunk must be cut regularly.

Plum cut. Plum on a one-year strong growth can have not only single flower and leaf buds, but also group buds (in the latter, the middle bud is leafy and the lateral ones are flower buds). With a weak increase in group buds, little is laid.

Plums according to the nature of fruiting are divided into two groups. The first group combines varieties in which group buds predominate on annual growths. Fruiting in such forts is provided by last year's growths, which is called fruiting on annual wood.

Varieties of the second group bear fruit mainly on spurs. Tongs, or spears, - short fruit formations from 0.5 to 8-10 cm long, can end in a thorn; their life expectancy is from 2 to 5 years. Spurs develop from leaf buds, they lay fruit buds and bear fruit the next year. It is fruiting on biennial wood.

The formation of plums after planting and in the garden is similar to the formation of other fruit trees. Plum varieties of the first type are shortened a little, otherwise the tree forms many branches and thickens. Varieties of the second type should be shortened more, this contributes to the laying of spurs and the formation of flower buds.

​Related Articles​

Features of crown formation: how and when

Next, shorten and thin out individual branches within each tier. Preference is given to branches extending from the skeletal at an angle of at least 45 °. In the first tier, 4-5 branches are chosen, in the second 3-4, in the third 2-3 branches. The rest are removed “on the ring.” If you need to remove a strong branch that has grown on a conductor or skeletal branch, it is not removed “on the ring”, but above the horizontal growth closest to the base of the branch to be removed. If there are no lateral growths on it, it is cut off at a distance of 25 - 30 cm from the base. After pruning, several shoots appear on the branch. One of them, directed to the outer part of the crown, is transferred to a horizontal position, and the rest above it are removed next spring. Beginners are able to perform the necessary pruning on their own. To do this, you need to choose the appropriate method and study the main principles of work.​

The main task of pruning in this case will be the maximum opening of the center and thinning of the branches: The main thing is that the base shoots have time to appear. Usually trees with this shape are planted with a distance of two meters. Grafting type.

Initially, the upper branches of the crown of the plant are cut out, which will facilitate the penetration of sunlight to the lower branches and increase their productivity.

1. The formation of a reliable structure is also important in order for the plant to be able to withstand a tangible mass of a significant number of fruits. The branch of the apple tree is quite fragile and can break off at any moment under the weight of pouring fruit.
2. , But it depends on the number of tiers, which is important to remember when forming.
3. A year later, on the trunk, which managed to appear,

Every gardener knows how important it is to shape the crown of a growing apple tree. This procedure ensures that each leaf will be exposed to the sun for at least three hours daily. Sufficient exposure of the apple tree to sunlight allows each leaf to receive energy (nutrition). Otherwise, the energy will not be enough, and the fruits will acquire a sour taste. In addition, the lack of pruning will cause the tree to be very tall and harvesting will be difficult. When pruning large branches, breaks and scuffs are possible, leading to wounds that do not heal for a long time. Therefore, when pruning large branches, you should either support such a branch, or make a cut from below, and then cut it off completely. To prevent the infection from getting into the wound, it is necessary to cover it with garden pitch. During the period of full fruiting, the growth rate decreases markedly, and with it the leaf surface. The tree produces less carbohydrates, which are spent in large quantities on the formation of the crop. And this, in turn, leads to a decrease in the winter hardiness of fruit trees.

Apple crown shapes

​More information can be found in the video.​

• Pruning for rejuvenation also restores yield, increases fruiting time, while maintaining the size and taste of apples.
• A tree with a spindle-shaped branch structure has a base stem with central branches that radiate in different directions.
• There are several goals for giving a certain shape to young fruit trees.
• Proper anti-aging pruning increases the number of emerging shoots with flower buds.

The result of breaking off branches on fruit trees is the occurrence of wounds

Sparse-tiered crown

After watching the video, you will definitely make sure that it will be convenient to grow an apple tree in a limited area.​ Delete all branches When should one of the most important apple tree care procedures be carried out? From the very beginning

The formed crown should consist of one conductor and subordinate branches in tiers, i.e. the branches of the first tier should be thicker and longer than the branches of the second, and, accordingly, the branches of the second should be thicker and longer than the branches of the third tier. Then shoots-competitors of skeletal branches and branches are removed, as well as all strong branches growing inside the crown, intertwining or thickening it. Undesirable skeletal branches and shoots are cut into a developed side branch, and annuals are cut into an external bud (located on the outside of the shoot). This is necessary for the horizontal growth of the next annual growth, stimulates the laying of flower buds and increases the yield of the branch.

More ... In our country, this fruit crop occupies over seventy percent of the area occupied by gardens, and is widespread everywhere. There are varieties of apples of early and late ripening. Early (summer) ones ripen in August. Since that time, the consumption of fresh fruits continues until April - May due to autumn (consumer ripeness - September - November) and winter varieties suitable for long-term storage. Some varieties are stored until the next harvest. The fruits harmoniously combine sugars and acids, contain vitamins, mineral salts and other biologically active substances. Experts advise first of all to shorten the trunk by a third, and then thin out especially dense zones.

The process is best to start from the first year of the tree's life. Plants that do not yet have branches. The main ones:

Which can rot and often cause disease or death of the plant.

This way of forming

Cupped crown

. In the first tier, you can leave a branch at a height of 50 centimeters and two others (located above), but the distance between them should be 15 centimeters. One branch should go in one direction, and the other two should go in the opposite direction. Trim the ends of the branches at the same level. Take care of the cut of the shoots that appeared at the place of the cut of the central trunk. You can leave the branches if their length is less than 30 centimeters, as they are sure to please with fruits. pruning must be done correctly After the formation of the tree, we continue to ensure that the subordination of the branches is observed. To do this, shortening the increments is performed. The increments of the continuation of the skeletal branches are shortened by 1/4-1/5 of their length, and the leader should be 1/3 longer than the other branches. Skeletal ramifications are cut so that their length is 1/2-2/3 of the length of the branch carrying them from the top to the place where the skeletal ramification grows. Please note that annual growths cannot be cut short, as short pruning leads to strong branching of the branch and thickening of the crown, which delays the time for the tree to bear fruit.

​To the beginning

The flowering of the apple tree usually begins on May 15 - 20. In warm weather, it lasts about a week, in hot, dry weather it lasts less, and in cool or damp weather, it lasts up to two weeks. All varieties of this crop require cross-pollination, so several varieties are planted in the garden. Pruning angle should be 45 degrees. For mandatory removal, processes are recommended that are located at an acute angle to the trunk, since they break more often than others under the weight of apples. They cut the apple tree, leaving most of the skeleton.

The thickening of the apple tree causes the appearance of some diseases. One of them is scab. For this reason, the fruits lose their taste and their appearance deteriorates.

It is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to correct the mistakes that are made in the process of pruning fruit trees. The most common violations are: There are several options and schemes for forming the crown of an apple tree. is one of the easiest

In the third year, 50 centimeters from the first tier, you can leave two skeletal branches at a distance of 15 cm from each other. New skeletal branches will be required

and regularly, because subsequently significant difficulties may arise. The formation of the crown guarantees the growth of the required number of skeletal branches and their correct placement. In the future, new branches with leaves, fruits will appear on each branch, guaranteeing the good development of the tree and the chance to enjoy amazingly tasty fruits.​

To do this, it is necessary to remove young top shoots in time, which inevitably grow near the places where large branches are removed and annual growths are bent. All tops that have arisen after shaping are cut out. At the end, a final check of the subordination of all shoots of the continuation is carried out and the formed crown of the fruit-bearing tree is evaluated. By pruning, you need to lay the crown and ensure the subordination of the branches. However, the formation of the crown takes several years, until a natural slowdown in growth occurs due to the transfer of vegetative branches to fruit-bearing ones. In the current season, it will be necessary: ​​to remove young fat (top) shoots in time, which inevitably grow near the places where large branches are removed, and to bend annual growths to transfer them to fruiting.

Back The growth buds formed on the shoot behave differently under natural conditions: in the upper part they give strong growths, a little lower - weaker ones, even lower - short annulus and leaves, and at the base of the shoot they generally remain dormant. But after pruning or bending branches from weaker and even sleeping buds that are in the upper position, strong shoots can grow. Anti-aging procedures for the apple tree are carried out closer to spring, but until the tree has no leaves and is at rest .​

When the first branches sprout on the main process, the first row is created in the middle of the trunk, rejecting the central parts.

spindle crown

Weakened branches lose strength and break from strong gusts of wind. From the freezing of apple trees with a large number of branches, the wood is weakened. This is typical for such a variety as Borovinka. For the same reason, the appearance of the departure of the main branches at an acute angle is observed. This problem occurs in apple trees of the Terentyevka variety. crown diameter decreases The most popular way.

. Pruning apple tree branches will be minimal. Please note that the center conductor must be cut correctly, and semi-skeletal branches can be cut with secateurs. It will take about three years to create a crown. The first fruits can be obtained in the second year. Apple trees should be located at a distance of two meters from each other.

Equalize with each other. Pruning should begin a year after you planted an apple tree in the spring. Be prepared for the fact that young seedlings have a weak root system, and therefore the crown can only be shortened by a third at a seedling height of about 60 centimeters, half - at a height of 60 centimeters. If the height of the seedling is less than 60 centimeters, only the lower branches can be cut. Remember that the main conductor should be 40 - 50 cm higher than the skeletal branches of the apple tree. Prepare for the fact that the formation will need to be carried out annually. You can guarantee a good growth of lateral branches if you prune the branches of the crown. ​Fig. 7. Cut on the kidney (a - cut; b - result):​

​More...​

garden.guru

The main methods of forming the crown of an apple tree

First of all, get rid of the upper branches.

It's important to know

The next season, the skeleton is cut again.

Special techniques and types of pruning allow maximum penetration of natural light into the thickness of the leaves. Since the apple tree needs intense sunlight for rapid growth and proper development, allowing you to get fruits as early as possible. Usually, fruiting occurs a year or two earlier, by removing not a competing, but a leading shoot, the main growth force. It is very important to pinch the developing shoots that compete in strength with the leaders. In the future, such shoots are completely removed in the spring.

The demand for the method is due to the maximum naturalness of the tree silhouette. The branches are cut in the form of tiers. A feature of the method is to increase the yield of apple trees and extend the fruiting period. To use this method, the location of plants in garden plantings must be at least three meters apart.​

Why is it necessary to form a crown

A prerequisite is the presence of a central conductor with semi-skeletal branches extending in different directions. You can process annual seedlings.​​. Competitors must be eliminated. The growth of the central conductor, which exceeds the end of the main branches, must be shortened.​

about a quarter of the growth length

• 1 - the cut is made correctly;​2​
• An apple tree is planted in spring (end of April - mid-May) and autumn (September - first decade of October). When planting an apple tree in the autumn, the leaves are carefully removed from the seedlings. With a well-developed fibrous root system, seedlings take root quickly. When transporting them to the landing site, the roots are dipped in a creamy clay mash and wrapped with a film or burlap. Before planting an apple tree, dried seedlings are dipped in water for one or two days. In the spring, in dry windy weather, the stems are wrapped with a damp cloth or moss after planting. This reduces the drying of the tissues of the seedling. This is done for better conductivity of sunlight to the lower parts, and, therefore, their productivity increases.

At the end of the third season, the creation of the "spindle" is completed.

The quality of apples also depends on the shape of the apple tree. Instead of wasting nutrient reserves on branches and leaves, some of the necessary elements go to the development of fruits. So, the sugar produced during photosynthesis accumulates directly in apples. Crown diameter increases This method is characterized by speed and ease of implementation.

Formation of the crown of an apple tree (video)

Schemes and terms of formation

In the middle part you will need

Tiered sparse formation

Next spring, you can lay another branch.​.​

spindle formation

2 - wrong, the base of the kidney is cut;​3​

In a plot with a groundwater depth of at least 1.5 m, an apple tree is planted in planting pits 100 wide and 60 cm deep. For an apple tree on a dwarf rootstock, a pit or trench is dug smaller - 40 - 50 cm. more. This is done in order to bring in more good fertile land. And on heavy clay soils, the pits are made wider, but somewhat smaller, since water can stagnate at the bottom of deep pits with heavy soil and cause root rot. Fertilizers are mixed with the top layer of earth taken out of the pit. Fresh, not rotted manure cannot be used for refueling pits.

bowl formation

The appearance of shoots will also increase, on which flower buds can later be tied. The plant stretches up to three hundred centimeters during this time.

Formation of a vertical palmette

It is necessary to form a reliable structure so that a fragile tree can withstand the significant weight of a large number of apples. This moment is especially important for apple orchards in open, unprotected areas, which is associated with insufficient removal and rarefaction. By the autumn period of the first year, seedlings should have four main skeletal shoots, the length of which is about fifty centimeters. A small amount of shoots is subject to processing or pruning. The most important thing is to correctly trim the skeleton of the conductive branch. The main processes are removed with a pruner.

Rejuvenating shaping

​make the first tier Now you can consider that the formation of a sparse-tiered type of apple tree has been successfully completed. After two years, it is necessary to cut off the central conductor above the upper branch, which will be single. Remember that the height of the crown should not exceed 2.5 meters. What goals can be achieved by forming the crown of an apple tree?

3 - wrong, stump left

• On sandy soils, a peat layer (10 - 15 cm) is poured at the bottom of the pit to preserve nutrients from leaching into deep horizons.
• You can carry out rejuvenation in the summer. In the first half of summer, during the rest season of the fruit tree, major pruning is carried out. So, the main branches are shortened by three quarters and the areas of greatest concentration are thinned out.
• As a result, the stem is shortened over any process that is not vertical.
• As a result of breaking branches on a tree, wounds appear that begin to rot, heal poorly and are more susceptible to frost. This leads to the occurrence of diseases and even the death of apple trees.

. Semi-skeletal branches should differ in an inclined position.

This crown is perfect

Common Mistakes

No risk of crown thickening.

​Fig. 8. Spike cut:​​5​

​More...​ After the operation, it is necessary to water the apple tree abundantly. In the autumn, the tree trunk is whitewashed, protecting part of the bark of the standard zone.

Removing the stem is not so important for certain types of apple trees, since the formation of their lateral processes is faster. In this case, if the trunk grows 50 cm per season, it is shortened for the symmetry of the growth of new branches.

In dense foliage, it is easier for pests that can spoil the bark of a tree to settle.

Complete non-interference in the development of a fruit tree is also unacceptable. This leads to the fact that the crown of the apple tree becomes too voluminous and dense.

This pruning technique is most often used to form the crown of fruit plants, which are characterized by weak growth and short life expectancy. After three years, the crown height will reach 2 - 2.5 meters. Now the formation can be completed. Above one horizontal branch, remove the central conductor by adjusting the height of the apple tree.​

How to prune an apple tree (video)

suitable for low-growing apple trees

DachaDecor.ru

Formation of the crown of an apple tree: methods and seasonal features

You can give the crown a certain shape. As a result, it is possible to prevent growth upwards or to the sides.​

1 - slice; 2 - escape garter;​

Good illumination of all parts of the crown plays an important role in increasing the productivity of a fruit tree. To do this, it is formed, and thinned out during the fruiting period. This work is usually done by trimming. But pruning associated with the formation of the crown deprives the trees of early fruiting. The desire to get an early marketable harvest leads to the need to reduce the degree and duration of their pruning period. At the same time, the load of young trees with a crop leads to premature aging and a reduction in the life span of fruit trees. The acceleration of the fruiting of young trees is facilitated not only by a reduction in the volume of pruning during the formation of the crown, but also by the use of such techniques as pinching, breaking, twisting, bending and interlacing branches. With the onset of sustainable fruiting, pruning is intensified in order to maintain the active growth of the tree, and therefore increase its productive period.

Crown formation is most often carried out in the spring.

This pruning technique is used for plants that do not grow well and are not durable.

The convenient shape of the plant allows you to harvest the future crop with high quality and without any hassle. With a tall and overgrown apple tree, this is much more difficult to do.

You may also be interested in an article in which we talk about diseases and pests of apple trees.

• The technique is a bit similar to the tiered sparse method.
• Watch the video in order to successfully care for the apple tree and guarantee its yield, obtaining delicious fruits.
• . The principle of formation resembles a sparse-tiered one, but still there are differences.​

Risk of reduction in fruit size and deterioration in their palatability.

​3 - cropping result

• There are two ways to prune an apple tree -
• This is done before bud break, usually in March and April.
• The method of creating a structure resembles a tiered-discharged view, but has its own characteristics.
• So, in order to obtain stable and good yields, one should not neglect such an important element of care as the formation of apple tree branches.
• It is possible to form a high-quality crown of a fruit plant in a few years. A very important condition is to obtain strong annual growth in the first years of apple cultivation. The process and method of crown formation depends on their quality and size. It is for this reason that attention should be paid to creating optimal conditions for the growth of an apple tree.
• Typically this
• ​Crown formation is an important measure for the care of apple trees One of the most important measures for the care of fruit trees, including apple trees, is the formation of a crown. It is very important to perform the procedure in accordance with a certain algorithm, which allows you to form a structure, create the correct shape and the necessary volume of fruit tree foliage.

Three branches of the first tier should be directed in different directions. The angle of divergence between them should be approximately 120 degrees. Each of them must be cut 40 centimeters from the center conductor, due to which pair branches will be obtained. The center conductor must be shortened above the top branch. If desired, it can be shortened after 1 - 2 years in order to give the optimal strength to the skeleton.

When wondering how the upcoming procedure should be carried out, it is very important to watch an informative video containing answers to all your questions. The following aspects will depend on the correctness of the planned procedure: yield, ripening period, beautiful appearance and pleasant taste of the fruit, the risk of tree disease. Too dense a crown increases the risk of developing fungal diseases due to high levels of humidity. In addition, a large number of branches and ovaries

• The sparse-tiered crown of a tree is the closest species to natural. On the trunk of a tree, the branches are arranged in groups, that is, in tiers along
• ​Forward​
• shortening
• At this moment, the tree will not lose a lot of juice, since its intensive secretion has not yet begun, which means that the wounds on the apple tree will dry out and heal faster.

In the first row, three branches are bred in different directions, making sure that the angle of the divorce is approximately 130 degrees. The branch is shortened, leaving 45 cm from the trunk.

This method is considered the most popular and the reason lies in the ease of shaping technique:

It is very important to fertilize, irrigate and remove weeds in a timely manner.

The formation is carried out on fruit trees located along the perimeter of the garden plot or along the front of the building.

The formation of the crown of an apple tree in the form of pruning is required by fruit plantations for almost the entire life of the plant. This provides the tree with a neat appearance, in addition, this procedure helps to rejuvenate the plant and extend the fruiting period.

Be sure to avoid

will lead to a decrease in the size of the fruit

Two or three pieces, and singly. Start the formation with an annual plant. True, he has only one-year-old part that has grown from a grafted kidney. And I've been rooting for three whole years. In the first year, it grew from a seed (or from a cutting), in the second year it was vaccinated, and in the third year a one-year-old grew on it. Early in spring, measure 50 cm from the soil level on a tree. This will be the trunk zone. It is undesirable to have a stem less than 50 cm, since subsequently the lower branches will interfere with caring for the garden: dig or loosen the soil, mow grass in gardens with turfing, fertilize, collect carrion, cut branches. It is dangerous to leave a very high trunk in the middle to the lane. He will suffer greatly from sunburn and frostbite. So 50 cm, as practice has shown, is the best option.

• To the end
• Pruning is also carried out in summer.
• The task of this stage is to get two processes.
• The silhouette of the apple tree remains as natural as possible.
• With the formation of annual increments at the level of forty centimeters, the qualitative formation of the crown can take at least five years. The result will be healthy and beautiful garden plantings.​
• It takes about four years to complete the formation of a crown of this type. As a result, the crown diameter is evened out, which gives the tree a neat and attractive appearance.
• It's important to remember
• Overgrowing of the central part of the crown

. In some areas, the procedure allows you to protect the tree from low temperatures.​

Measure another 30 cm above the bole zone. This will be the area for placing the main branches of the first tier of the crown. Everything that

thinning

The reason for this is the appearance of many new shoots that need to be thinned out, and the rest to breed in the required directions.

Directly the main stem is shortened above the central branch located on top. This procedure is recommended to be carried out next year. The skeleton of the tree will become stronger and more resilient.​

The branches on the tree take the form of tiers.

You have probably noticed the difference between apple trees in an old private garden and plantations of farm fruit trees. On the site most often grows one or two mighty trees. While on commercial sites, the plants are low and everything, like a blueprint, is the same shape.​

• This event is held for long-lived apple trees, which must be kept in a fruiting state for as long as possible. As a rule,
• That illiterate pruning can cause more damage to plantings than a complete lack of formation of the crown of an apple tree.
• . To do this, cut off the branches of the main branches.
• In our time, the formation can be carried out according to the following principles:

​located above, cut over a well-developed bud which, when viewed vertically, is placed exactly above the spine notch. This is done so that the trunk does not deviate from the vertical position. If you cut with a garden knife, then put it on the back of the kidney at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal and cut the branch with a sharp movement towards you. You can not leave a stump above the kidney, otherwise the shoot may strongly deviate to the side. But its base cannot be cut either: it will dry out, and the shoot will grow from another bud and go in the wrong direction at all in which the central conductor should grow (Fig. 7). If you are not sure that you will get a good cut above the kidney, leave another 10 cm above the measured one. This will be the spike to which you will tie the shoot when it reaches a length of 10-12 cm (Fig. 8). Take a closer look in the summer: have the shoots on the spike from dormant buds started growing? If you find them, then break them out, the tree does not need them. By the way, see if there are any shoots in the trunk area. If there is, pinch them over the 3-4th leaf. After pinching, they will not grow much, and their leaves will contribute to the thickening of the bole and better growth of shoots in the branching zone. In the spring of next year, remove all branches on the bole if they suddenly appear again. In the main branches area, select three. The lowest one should be at the height of the trunk (50 cm), and the other two should be higher along the trunk at intervals of 15 cm. A little more, a little less - it does not matter. It is important that the main branches are not crowded. One of them should be directed in one direction, and the other two - in the opposite direction. The optimal angle of divergence between the main branches is 120 degrees. Cut out one or two branches closest to the place where the stem was cut last year. These are competitors. They depart from the central conductor at an acute (less than 40 degrees) angle and grow as strongly as the branch with which the crown height increases. They are not suitable as the main branches, as they constantly threaten to break. Also cut out entirely other strong branches that are not included in the skeleton. Make a cut at their very base, where there is usually an annular influx. Hence the term for gardeners - cut into a ring. By the way, in the annular influx there are a lot of cells capable of active division, which contributes to better and faster healing of wounds. However, if you want, you can bend them to a horizontal or drooping position. Let them temporarily work on the plant. You look, and the beginning of fruiting will accelerate. And you can always cut them. In addition, horizontally located branches will not grow strongly (Fig. 9.2-3).

June 27, 2015

. When shortening, a part of the annual growth or perennial branch is removed. This pruning method has a different effect on trees depending on their age. In young, with repeated shortening of annual growths, the growth of the trimmed branch in length is weakened, but its branching is enhanced, which is used in the formation of the crown. The shortening of branches in aging trees increases the number of annual growths, their length, and, consequently, the number of large, healthy leaves. With the help of shortening, you can also change the direction of growth of the branch. When thinning, part or all of the branch is removed at the base.

However, there are also opponents of summer pruning.

Usually, this appearance is given to fruit trees growing along the perimeter of the site, in the border zones as a barrier or along artificial objects. The algorithm for creating a structure for a curb tree shape takes four years. Then cultivated plantings begin to bear fruit.

• A feature of this type can be called the increased productivity of the tree and longevity.
• Of course, their height depends on the age of the apple trees, but professional gardeners definitely worked on the silhouette. Is the appearance of trees so important, what does it affect and, most importantly, how to properly form a crown?
• The technique is used when it is impossible to replace the old plant with a young seedling.
• There are several methods for forming the crown of apple trees and other young fruit plants. To choose the most suitable pruning method, it is important to consider not only the age and variety of the plant, but also the type of grafting.​
• Do you want to increase the productivity of your apple tree? Take care to keep short branches, which are sure to please with delicious fruits.​
• sparsely tiered
• ​Fig. 9. Formation of a sparse-tiered crown:​

The formation of the crown of pome crops according to a sparse-tiered system has its own characteristics.

​More...​

The main argument of experienced gardeners is that in summer the greatest amount of useful elements accumulate in the leaves of apple trees.

• When creating a palmette:
• On the site, the apple trees are arranged in such a way that they are spacious, leaving an interval of three meters between adjacent plantings.

A garden with young apple trees needs constant care and control over its life cycle.

• As a result of pruning, the apple tree changes beyond recognition.
• Every gardener knows that competent pruning can improve not only the appearance of a tree, but also its health.
• This type of apple tree crown is ideal for trees that are grown along the fence or walls of houses,
• cupped
• 1-2 - a biennial tree and its pruning;
• By pruning the crown, you can regulate the growth and development of the tree, the timing of its entry into fruiting. Formation provides a plentiful and high-quality harvest, and also protects against diseases and pests.​

The choice and creation of crown forms should be linked to the density of trees on the site. Fruit trees need good lighting, which determines the quantity and quality of the crop. Therefore, the shape of the crown affects the yield and longevity of trees.​

• By removing young shoots, valuable substances are lost.
• The branches of the core turn into a surface lying in the same plane, and they are located on the same line.

It is necessary to start designing by this method after winter, measuring a plot on a seedling at a distance of half a meter from the soil. Recall that a plant that has been grafted is an annual, while a rootstock can be up to two years old.

One of the main elements of caring for fruit plantings is crown formation. With the help of a certain algorithm, the structure of the structure, the shape and volume of foliage are created.​

Often the plants themselves give signals that they need this procedure.

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along the boundaries of the land
vertical palmette
3 - pruning a three-year-old tree;

Pruning of pome crops begins from the end of February - the beginning of March, when the danger of severe frosts has passed and the temperature will be at least -2-4 ° С. At lower temperatures, the wood of fruit trees is brittle, the cuts are uneven, traumatic, the bark breaks off, leaving defenseless bare trunks open to sunburn and pests. Therefore, even in the beginning - mid-February, bypassing the garden, it is worth determining what kind of pruning each tree needs.

Depending on the varieties and growing conditions, each horticultural zone has its own forms of crowns.
Therefore, experts recommend removing only branches that compete with the conductor.
To achieve this effect, all processes are removed on the trunk in each row, leaving a pair, moreover, having an unequal direction of growth.

Another 30 cm is marked above the place of the stem. In this place, the first order will be located, consisting of three basic shoots.

The need for pruning the branches of an apple tree is experienced throughout life. So, for trees of middle and old age, it is important to cut the crown in order to rejuvenate the culture.
​Features of anti-aging pruning:​​. It will take about four years to form. After this period, the tree will delight with delicious fruits and productivity. Fusiform. 4 - fully formed crown

A large number of branches competing for nutrients and the sun must be limited so that the subordination of the branches of the first and subsequent orders is not violated. If this is not done, an excessive vegetative mass is formed to the detriment of the laying of flower buds and yields are reduced. Due to the lack of light in the inner zone of such a crown, fruit branches die off early, and few flower buds are laid on the remaining ones. The ties are almost not formed. Inside the thickened crown, conditions are created for the development of pests and diseases, since the penetration of sunlight into it is difficult, ventilation is limited, and treatment with supportive, nourishing and protective preparations has no effect.

For standard trees, the following crowns can be used: sparse-tiered, vertical palmette, spindle-shaped. Many gardeners allow a free-growing crown, that is, they leave it without formation.
It is possible during this period to get rid of the processes growing along the skeleton.
Levels are formed symmetrically vertically and have a distance of 85 cm.​
After 10 months, the processes formed in the stem are cut off. In a row, a shoot is kept at a distance of 30 cm, and then two, with a distance of 20. The principle of the method is the mirror arrangement of branches. time turning into the main conductors.
Contributes to the restoration of productivity and allows you to increase the fruiting period while maintaining the size and taste of the fruit.

Overcrowded garden plantings can cause diseases

Skeletal branches should be placed in the same plane. As a result, the crown will be flat. In each tier, which is part of the central conductor, you will need to leave two branches, but they must grow in opposite directions from each other. The distance between the tiers should be 80 centimeters.​
​What features should be taken into account?​
Do not cut, bend or shorten branches shorter than 30 cm. Leave them alone. And in the future, for any

The development of the crown of such a tree goes up due to the mass of shoots, the vertical orientation of which stimulates the formation of new vegetative shoots devoid of flower buds. In such a crown, there are no conditions for the growth of horizontal shoots, on which flower buds are laid, which ensure the harvest. In addition, the rapid growth of the tree upwards leads to the formation of sharp angles between the branches, which carries the risk of breaking the branches and breaking them off the trunk under increased loads. The greater the angle of departure of the branch, the better its fusion with the trunk or branch of the previous order.

• Sparse-tiered crown
• Cut branches in the autumn season.
• The processes that appear on the main shoots and the skeleton are bent. It is on them that apples will ripen in the future.
• It is better to leave branches up to a size of 35 cm, as small shoots produce better apples.
• Unfortunately, an illiterate procedure causes more damage to the plant than it helps to develop properly.
• At the first stage, the stem part of the plant is shortened by a third, and then especially thickened crown zones of the plant are subject to thinning.
• , including scab. The dense foliage of the crown is very attractive to various pathogens and pests. Trees lose their external attractiveness, in addition, the yield decreases and the taste of the fruit suffers to a large extent.
• Attention should be paid to escapes. They will need to be moved to an inclined position. Later, fruits will appear on them.
• This formation option is
• When pruning, never touch such branches, except in special cases. The fact is that most short branches are more prone to fruiting than to growth. Unfortunately, many gardeners do not know this and cut out such branches with the firm conviction that they are doing a good and very necessary thing for trees. In fact, it's hard to imagine anything more ridiculous. It hurts to look at trees trimmed to a semi-box. With the three main branches left, you will have to work a little more. So that none of them outstrips the others in growth, it is necessary to put them in an equal position. Trim the ends at roughly the same level. Or, instead of pruning, you can bend the longer branch slightly down, and pull the shorter one up. If after that the ends of the branches are not at the same level, the strongest one will have to be slightly shortened. By the way, the central conductor throughout the entire period of crown formation should be higher than the ends of the main branches in plants with pyramidal growth by 15-20, with sprawling - by 10-15 cm. Next year, 50-60 cm above the branches of the first tier, lay two more main branches. The interval between them is 10-15 cm. As in the past year, equalize them with each other. Don't forget to cut out competitors and shorten the conductor's last year's growth if it is much higher than the endings of the newly abandoned main branches. Those of them that last year were bent to a horizontal or drooping position, if they do not interfere, leave alone, and if the crown is thickened, shorten it harder or cut it into a ring. A year later, lay another 40 cm above the two branches of the second tier the main branch (Fig. 9.4). You can consider that the skeleton of the crown is formed. After a year or two, when the upper single branch takes a stable position, cut off the central conductor above it. A further increase in the height of the crown is undesirable, the optimal one is 2.5-3 m. It is necessary to keep it at this level.
• There are many ways to prune fruit trees, depending on the rootstock (very tall, medium, dwarf), growing area and their respective technologies. The most common method is pruning fruit trees according to a sparse-tiered system, when the skeletal branches are placed in the form of tiers on top of each other. Priority crops - apple and pear - lend themselves well to pruning according to this system.

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Pruning Apple and Pear Trees Garden Tricks

This does not affect the amount of the future harvest.

Base branches should be tightened if they have noticeably moved away from the head. If the processes are not deviated enough, then, on the contrary, they are pulled back.

For the next season, another row is laid at a distance of 45 cm from the previous level. Now the creation of a tiered-discharged form of an apple tree is completed. Then you just have to remove the base conductive process above the single branch from above. Culture growth should not exceed 2 meters.​

Young apple trees and those that have already begun to bear fruit are formed in different ways, the choice of which takes into account:

crown thickening

The cutting angle should be about forty-five degrees.

Apple tree branches weaken and lose strength,

The main branches need to be pulled up, but only if they are deviated from the central conductor.

Pruning an unfruitful tree

one of the most popular

If you purchased a two-year-old seedling that has several strong branches, then start forming a crown with three

Crown lightening

The formation of the crown is carried out in the initial 5-7 years of the life of the fruit plant. Such a tree must have one conductor. Therefore, they choose and leave the most powerful, developed shoot of the continuation of the conductor, the rest are removed.

The skeleton of the crown will be strong if the branches are strong and subordinate to the conductor (that is, the ends of all branches are 20 - 25 cm below the conductor); the diameter of the skeletal branches at their base will not exceed half the diameter of the conductor at their junction; the angle between these branches and the conductor (the angle of departure) will be 45 - 60 °; all skeletal branches are evenly spaced, that is, the angle of "divergence" between two adjacent branches may be within limits. 90 - 150°.​

Moreover, the autumn method perfectly prepares the apple tree for wintering, freeing the tree from dried, large or barren branches.

What should be the crown

With this form, the tree grows in length according to the number of rows. It is possible to adjust the value when trimming the base processes and the trunk annually. Growth for 12 months is shortened by a small distance. Horizontally, the tree grows by about two hundred centimeters.

Shortening gains

This method is fast because a small number of shoots are processed. It is important with this method to correctly trim the core of the conductive branch.

Transition of branches to bear fruit

Tree age.

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How to prune and form a sparsely-tiered crown of a tree

Be sure to remove shoots that are located at an acute angle to the stem and are at risk of breaking off with a bountiful harvest. which contributes to the breaking off of shoots under the influence of gusts of wind. As a rule, the reason for this is low temperatures: the branches freeze slightly and can become brittle.​ The width of the crown can be two meters. . The crown resembles a natural shape in appearance. The branches on the trunk should be arranged in tiers. Apple trees can please with longevity and productivity, but at the same time, trees must be placed at a distance of four meters.​

branches. The lowest should be at a height of 40-50 cm from the soil level. The interval between the branches is desirable 10-15 cm, and the angle of divergence between the two upper ones is about 60-70 degrees. The picture shows a young apple tree, the crown of which is formed according to a sparse-tiered system, before the formative spring pruning. Before the trees enter the fruiting season, formative pruning is carried out. Remove competitors on the central conductor, vertical branches near the skeletal branches. Sharp forks lead to a lateral branch. Vertically growing branches on the periphery of the crown are cut to a side branch, if possible horizontal. Tiers are formed in which skeletal branches are subordinated. The upper tier of branches is subordinate to the lower one, approximately 30-50 cm shorter. The central conductor should be 25-30 cm above the upper tier of the side branches.​ ​More...​

Thus, all options for crown formation come down to ensuring the correct balance of the growth force of the base conductor and the main branches growing from it.

An amazing feature of the apple tree is its almost eternal ability to produce a crop. Although, the intensity of fruiting decreases markedly over the years.

The main processes can be removed with improvised tools, using, for example, a pruner, since the jewelry of the cut is not fundamentally important in this case.

Sort.

Rejuvenation by pruning is performed in the spring, but at rest of the fruit plant.
The use of special equipment and different methods of pruning allows you to thin out the foliage of the crown as much as possible and ensure high-quality penetration of sunlight to all parts of the tree. An apple growing on a sparse branch ripens much faster and has better quality indicators.​
Height can be adjusted
Formation should begin with measuring the bole zone on an annual seedling. Keep in mind that the rootstock may be three years old, but the grafted shoot must be one year old. The distance from the ground should be approximately 50 centimeters. Above the measured trunk area, you must outline an additional 30 centimeters, where the three main branches belonging to the first tier will be located. Branches growing higher should be cut.

Kudryavets R.P.

From 5-6 years of age, most varieties begin to bear fruit. The crown thickens, and fruiting is shifted to the periphery. To prevent this, you need to start lightening the crown. We leave the central conductor, and cut out the competitors “on the ring”, that is, at the base of the growth of the branch. On the left conductor, developed skeletal branches are selected and combined into groups in height, which will form the first, second, and, if necessary, the third tier. The distance between the first and second tiers is about 60-80 cm, between the second and third - 30-40 cm. The branches that form the second tier are spread along the diameter of the trunk relative to the first, the branches that form the third tier - relative to the second. The branches that are not included in the tiers are cut out “on the ring”. The tree stem is left 80 cm high.

In order for all parts of the crown of the apple tree to be well lit, it is systematically thinned out, while maintaining the subordination of the skeletal branches to the conductor. Narrow, pyramidal crowns are expanded by pruning skeletal branches to external growths. In sprawling (wide) crowns, the growth of skeletal branches is directed upward, cutting them into branches with a more vertical position in the crown. At the ends of the branches, the forks formed from two equally developed growths are eliminated. So that they do not break in the future, one of them is removed.

​Obviously, the central conductor must be taller, stronger and more powerful than the processes. When the branches grow to the same level with the conductors, shortening is carried out. The owners keep the long-lived apple tree in all possible ways, one of which is pruning. There is an opinion that it is more expedient to remove the old tree, replacing it with young seedlings of new varieties. If there is a desire to leave an elderly apple tree, then this is done by forming the main structure of the branches.