Not just grapes and raspberries: Which bushes and trees must be pruned for the winter

Fall pruning of fruit trees and bushes is an important procedure that helps protect plants from frost and ensures a generous harvest in the future.

It is known that before the onset of winter, this operation is mandatory for such crops as grapes, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, apple, pear and other fruit trees and shrubs. In the article theLime told you which fruit crops are recommended to prune in the fall and when it is better to carry out this procedure.

Read also: Take energy - what trees should not be planted near the house

Determining the best time for fall pruning of the garden

Pruning of fruit trees and bushes in the fall is recommended when the plants are at rest and do not have leaves. The timing of this operation may vary for different types of crops, but a common sign is the absence of leaves on the branches.

The best time for pruning is before temperatures drop to cooler temperatures, when sub-zero temperatures become threatening to the plants. However, if you are unlucky with the weather and a sunny and dry day comes, you can also carry out pruning when there is a slight frost (not below -5 degrees Celsius though).

Features of pruning different fruit crops in the fall

Pruning grapes in the fall

Autumn pruning of grapes is primarily recommended for that varieties which need insulation for the winter. Pruned bushes are easier to prepare for winter and care for them in the spring. However, some gardeners decided to prune grapes and varieties that winter without insulation also.

 Pruning of grapes  usually should be performed two to three weeks after the first small frosts, when all the leaves have already been dropped.

Autumn pruning of raspberries

Pruning of raspberries, in particular those varieties that are not remontant, can be done both in early fall, when the bushes are still green, and after the leaves have completely fallen. However, the best time for pruning raspberries is determined earlier, in summer or early September.

If this period is missed, pruning can be done when the opportunity arises. The main goal is to destroy fruiting shoots and short dusting of young branches by a few centimeters.

Pruning apple trees in the fall

There is an opinion that apple trees are better to be pruned in the spring, but more and more gardeners choose to perform this procedure in the fall, when there is more free time. The main thing is that pruning should be done before the onset of frost, because frozen wood is cracked and will heal faster.

During the fall pruning of apple trees, it is recommended to remove the following elements:

• tops;
• branches growing below the first tier;
• branches with a sharp growth angle;
• branches that interfere with each other;
• all dry, diseased and damaged branches growing inside the crown.

Read also: experts explained how to protect roses from diseases in October

Fall pruning of pears

Experienced gardeners recommend fall pruning of pears for their rejuvenation. If necessary, the height of the crown can be reduced by a third, and the skeletal branches can be thinned. On an old tree remains from 5 to 8 main branches, arranged in two tiers.

Pruning gooseberries, currants and currants

Autumn pruning of gooseberries is performed not only for sanitary purposes, but also for the formation and rejuvenation of plants. Branches older than 5 years are removed, and care should be taken to ensure that the bush always has branches of all ages, because the most fruitful shoots are from three to six years old.

On red and white currant, apricot, peach, plum, cherry and cherry bushes, it is recommended to perform sanitary pruning in the fall.

On currants in the fall should be removed all dry shoots, as well as those lying on the ground and growing inside the crown. To rejuvenate the bush is recommended to cut off all shoots older than 3 years and if necessary, thin the bush, leaving after pruning 9-12 branches, of which several should be annual, and the rest - the growth of the current season.

It is important to remember that pruning fruit trees and bushes requires attention and compliance with the basic rules to preserve and maintain the health of plants and a productive year.

Recall, we have already written what indoor plants should not be kept at home.

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