Are you thinking about planting a fruit tree on your property? For many homeowners, this is a great option that comes with several benefits — including health benefits, aesthetics, and more. However, before you decide to plant a fruit tree in your backyard, you should be aware that there is more to tending to a fruit tree than you may think — especially when it comes to pruning.
Tree pruning is not only a science, but it’s also an art — that is why we recommend partnering with a professional tree pruning company in Wilmette, Illinois for all your pruning needs. However, if you decide to take on the project by yourself, there are a few fundamental steps, tips, and tricks you should keep in mind for best results. We’re going to discuss everything you’ll need to know below.
When should you prune your trees?
The best time to prune in Wilmette is during the fall, winter, or the first few months of summer when the leaves are no longer on the trees. That will allow you to see what you are doing more clearly. Additionally, removing dormant buds will enliven the surviving buds.
If your goal is to ensure that your trees grow in a healthy manner, pruning in the summer can do you more harm than good. It can expose one section of the fruit’s “skin” to prolonged sunlight, slow down ripening, and remove leaves. However, if your goal is to slow down the growth of your tree — whether because they have outgrown your yard or are becoming too large — you could consider pruning in the summer.
A young tree should be structurally pruned for the first three years to promote more long-term growth. It’s best to keep the small horizontal branches untouched because they will produce fruit later. On the other hand, when your trees are thriving, a tree pruning company in Wilmette, Illinois may advise you to leave the trees alone for the most part.
How to prune?
The first step is to memorize the three D’s: Damaged, Diseased, and Dead. Any professional tree pruning company in Wilmette, Illinois will advise you to remove these types of branches first. Remove any suckers growing toward the trunk and any suspiciously erect sprouts growing from the main branches. Keep in mind that you should not leave the stubs behind — instead, you should cut them as flush against the branch as you possibly can.
Tools required
This job is often performed with pruning shears — specialized clippers explicitly designed for cutting through thin tree branches. You can buy these at any hardware or gardening supply shop. When pruning, it is critical to keep your tools in good condition. Blunt tools can tear branches, which will invite disease because of the wounds on the tree. Having a pruning saw on hand may also be necessary to cut thicker branches.
We hope you have found this article about how to prune fruit trees to be informative and useful. Good pruning not only keeps the tree under control and shapes it to your requirements, but it also fosters the growth of fruit buds.
Looking for the Top-Rated Tree Pruning Company in Wilmette, Illinois?
Do you have fruit trees on your property that need to be pruned? Looking for a professional tree pruning company in Wilmette, Illinois? If so, look no further than Brown Tree Service Inc. Our certified arborists — Kenneth Brown and Martin LaBahn — have the expert knowledge you need when it comes to caring for your trees. Contact us today at (847) 550-8733 to schedule an appointment.
