As of: March 28, 2024, 8:00 a.m
By: Pauline Zapp
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Tips and tricks for pruning fruit trees were available to anyone interested at the Reichertshausen Gardeners' Association's tree pruning course in February. © Gartler Association
Renate Thalhammer from the Reichertshausen Gartler Association gives tips for cutting fruit trees in the second part of the FT spring series.
Au/Reichertshausen
- The days are getting longer, the flowers are starting to bloom and the sun is shining more and more often: Spring is here - but with it comes gardening, including pruning fruit trees. However, Renate Thalhammer from the Reichertshausen Gardeners Association reveals in an FT interview why this activity is important and how hobby gardeners can do it.
The background
“Pruning the trees is important because otherwise the fruit will wither,” says Thalhammer. If the branches of a fruit tree grow incorrectly, meaning they don't get enough sun or oxygen, this has many disadvantages. For example, there will be less fruit hanging on the branches or they will bend down so much under the weight of the fruit that they threaten to break off.
The golden rule
The right time is crucial for the success of pruning fruit trees. Renate Thalhammer also confirms this. “The so-called spring cut is currently an option. February or March are very suitable months for this,” she says. But even if you haven't managed to prune your fruit tree yet, you still have the opportunity to do so. Unlike hedges, which can only be cut until February due to bird protection, there is no time limit when it comes to pruning fruit trees. “Fruit trees can still be cut normally because the birds tend to breed in hedges or houses,” explains the expert.
In addition to the spring cut, there is also the so-called summer cut, for which experts recommend July or August. “It is very important that there are no temperatures below zero,” says Thalhammer. Her golden rule: “It has to be at least four degrees warm.” Otherwise the branches could freeze and the wood could become more brittle. This makes it harder for the cuts on the branches to heal.
The right tool
Renate Thalhammer recommends secateurs as a suitable tool. “I wouldn’t go for the cheapest one,” she says: “The most important thing is that the tool fits well in the hand.”
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The procedure
When you start pruning the fruit tree, you should first remove the dead branches. It is then recommended to place the scissors close to the buds, for example to cut off the branches that block the other branches from sunlight. “It is also important not to leave any stubs standing,” explains Renate Thalhammer. “In addition, you shouldn’t shorten old branches too much.” You can certainly be more bold with younger trees. Removing water shoots also contributes to the vitality of a fruit tree. This involves removing thin branches that grow vertically upwards. They only cost the tree unnecessary energy.
The tree varieties
“You don’t really have to make big distinctions between different tree species,” says Thalhammer. Only with the cherry is the procedure different. “You cut them less,” she says. In addition, the spring cut is rather unusual. It is better to prune a cherry tree in summer, i.e. in July or August.
The tree trimming course
Once a year, the tree trimming course with Anton Westermeier Jr. takes place at the Reichertshausen Gardeners' Association. instead of. This year, interested parties came together again in Pfettrach to have course leader Peter Schlinsog explain how to prune bush, half-stem and standard fruit trees and then try it out themselves on older trees. “An informative morning. We thank everyone who came. “A course like this is only a success if there is interest,” said Renate Thalhammer’s gardening association gratefully.