Pruning, as a key management strategy in modern horticulture, plays a vital role in optimizing the economic performance of orchards. This complex process, which is based on physiological, ecological and biomechanical principles of the plant, requires a deep understanding of the relationships between vegetative and reproductive growth, knowledge of plant health principles and mastery of operational techniques. This article provides a comprehensive and practical reference, including scientific foundations, classification of pruning types, species and climatic considerations, waste management and long-term planning.
1. Introduction and economic-environmental significance
Pruning is the process of regulating and directing plant growth through the selective removal of certain parts of it. This practice is not just a gardening technique, but a powerful management tool for:
Maximizing economic returns by increasing the quantity and quality of the crop
Reducing dependence on chemical inputs by creating an unfavorable environment for pests and diseases
Increasing tree resilience to environmental stresses (drought, frost, wind)
Sustainably managing water and soil resources by reducing evapotranspiration and balancing nutrient uptake
Adapting orchards to climate change and new weather patterns
2. Pruning physiology: tree response to pruning
Understanding the plant's response to pruning is the basis for making sound decisions:
Principle of Apical Dominance: Removal of the apical bud stimulates the growth of lateral buds.
Distribution of hormones: Pruning causes a change in the balance of growth-promoting (auxin) and growth-inhibiting (cytokinin) hormones.
Carbohydrate allocation: Stored energy is directed to productive parts instead of being wasted in excess branches.
Compartmentalization phenomenon: The tree prevents the spread of decay to healthy tissues by creating chemical and anatomical barriers at the cut site.
3. Comprehensive classification of pruning types and their objectives
Pruning type Time of implementation Main objectives Key considerations
Structural pruning (forming) Years 1 to 5 of cultivation Creating a strong skeleton, determining the final shape of the tree (cup, heddle, espalier), determining the main branches (scaffold) Very important and irreplaceable. Requires a long-term view.
Maintenance pruning (fruiting) Late dormancy Maintaining health, stimulating the growth of new fruiting wood, regulating fertility, controlling size The most common type of annual pruning. Varies by species and cultivar.
Thinning fruit after natural fruit drop is essential to increase fruit size, quality and uniformity, reduce annual fruiting, and reduce stress on branches for species prone to annual fruiting (apple, pear, pomegranate).
Green pruning (summer) during the growing season controls excessive vegetative growth, removes canes, improves light penetration, and helps fruit coloration. Its intensity should be gentle so as not to stimulate untimely growth.
Rejuvenation pruning is performed over several consecutive years to save old, worn, or neglected trees, and to stimulate the growth of new branches gradually and in several stages. It may reduce fruiting for one year.
4. Specific species and climate considerations
Pear trees (apple, pear): generally respond to more pruning. Focus on spurs and fruit-bearing branches.
Stone fruits (peach, apricot, cherry): They bear fruit mostly on one-year-old wood. Pruning should stimulate the production of new and strong branches.
Citrus fruits: They need light pruning. The main goal is to open the center of the tree and remove diseased branches.
Grapes: They need severe and specific pruning (based on different systems such as Cordon, Guyot).
Climate: In areas with a risk of spring frost, pruning should be postponed until the end of dormancy as much as possible. In tropical areas, pruning is important to create shade on the trunk.
5. Integrated management and pruning waste
Diseases: Pruning can be a major factor in the spread of diseases such as fire blight, canker and rot. Disinfection of tools after each tree is mandatory.
Waste: Pruned branches can be used as:
Mulch (after shredding)
Compost
Biomass source for energy production.
Burning waste in the garden is not recommended due to damage to the soil and environment.
6. Planning and long-term vision
A successful pruning program is based on three pillars:
Observation: A careful examination of the tree's condition (health, form, previous year's fruiting).
Interpretation: Identifying the problem and predicting the tree's response to pruning.
Action: Accurately executing cuts with minimal intervention to achieve the goal.
Keeping a garden logbook to record the date, type, and results of pruning each tree is very valuable in accumulating experience and planning for future years.
Final conclusion:
Pruning is an investment in the tree's future. This operation is a combination of science (knowledge of the principles) and art (experience and understanding of the tree). Its correct implementation requires continuous training, the use of appropriate tools, and a systematic view of the garden as a living ecosystem. Cooperation with research centers, consulting services, and the use of current research findings will help gardeners achieve maximum productivity and sustainability of their gardens.
Tree pruning: A smart investment for a productive and healthy garden
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