Plant Pruning Basics
When talking about pruning, one important concept to understand is that pruning is a form of manipulation of a plant’s system, usually to make it look aesthetically better. Pruning is not about pulling branches, cutting leaves, and removing shoots all for the purpose of simply making it appear smaller. Pruning is more of a craft and skill that requires not only knowledge but also attention to detail and caution.
Pruning can be beneficial to a plant’s health and structure, but it can also be disastrous if done incorrectly or carelessly. In order to understand how to properly prune a sand cherry tree, it is important to have a basic understanding of the different types of pruning and the tools used.
Types Of Pruning
There are two main types of pruning: maintenance pruning and rejuvenation pruning. Maintenance pruning is done regularly to keep a tree in its desired shape, while rejuvenation pruning is done after a few years of growth to restore a tree’s shape back to its desired look.
The main goal with maintenance pruning is to remove any crossing and overlapping branches and to remove any dead, diseased, and broken branches. This type of pruning should be done regularly so that the tree maintains its healthy shape and size.
Rejuvenation pruning is done on more mature trees and should be done with more caution than maintenance pruning. This type of pruning is done to invigorate a tree and reduce its size. Some branches may need to be removed entirely, while other branches may just need to be shortened.
Tools Needed
In order to prune a sand cherry tree properly, it is important to have the right tools. Pruning shears, hedge trimmers, and loppers are all used to prune different types of trees. Generally, hedge trimmers are used for maintenance pruning while pruning shears and loppers are used for rejuvenation pruning.
It is important to have a good pair of pruning shears because it is the tool that will be most used when pruning a sand cherry tree. It is important to purchase a pair that is made specifically for pruning because it will be more accurate, easier to use, and more durable.
Pruning Procedure
When it comes to pruning, it is important to make sure that you do not prune too much at one time. Pruning too much can put the tree in shock and leave it vulnerable to diseases and pests. It is also important to make sure the cuts are clean and precise in order to avoid any injury or damage to the tree.
When pruning a sand cherry tree, the first step is to remove any dead, diseased, and broken branches. For maintenance pruning, only trim the tips of the branches to reduce the size of the canopy. For rejuvenation pruning, it is important to reduce the size of the canopy as evenly as possible by removing entire branches.
When pruning a sand cherry tree, it is important to make sure that there are no crossing or overlapping branches. If there are any, these should be removed to avoid any type of structural damage.
When To Prune
Sand cherry trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring, once their growth has slowed down and there are no more cold fronts. Pruning during this time will help the tree heal faster and will reduce the risk of infection and disease.
Another benefit of pruning during this time is that the tree will be able to produce more fruit in the upcoming season because the dead and diseased wood has been removed and the remaining branches can focus on producing more fruit.
After Pruning Care
Once the pruning is complete, it is important to take care of the newly pruned tree. Pruned trees are prone to infection and disease, so it is important to take proper care of them.
It is important to inspect the tree regularly and watch for signs of infection and disease, such as wilting leaves, discolored bark, and fungal growth. If any of these signs are noticed, it is important to treat the tree immediately to prevent any further damage.
It is also important to water the tree regularly to ensure that it does not become dehydrated. Watering the tree regularly will also help it heal faster and produce more fruit in the upcoming season.
Special Considerations
Pruning a sand cherry tree is not an easy task and should be done with caution. It is important to remember that pruning is a form of manipulation of the tree, and if done incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good.
It is important to have an understanding of the different types of pruning, the tools needed, and when to prune in order to do the best job possible. It is also important to remember to take care of the tree after the pruning is done in order to prevent any potential infections and diseases.
Conclusion
Overall, pruning a sand cherry tree is a great way to maintain the health of the tree and ensure that it produces more fruit. For those looking to prune a sand cherry tree, it is important to understand the basics of pruning, the tools that are needed, and when to prune in order to do the best job possible. It is also important to remember to take care of the tree after the pruning is done in order to prevent any potential infections and diseases.
