Alfred pruning.
Pruning can increase fruit yields, maintain a tree in a pleasing shape and promote the health of the tree. We have two apple, one plum and one cherry tree out on our planting strip. This is the sunniest open spot we had so this is why we went with planting here but it’s better if you have space away from the street.
Last year there were two boys who would stop by each day and pick an apple on their way to soccer practice. I thought this was great until I looked out the window one day and saw them stuffing their pockets and a back pack with fruit!
Planting trees in your planting strip can pose special challenges; often there is compacted soil, poor drainage and competition from grass. There can also be issues with contaminated soil. Through careful planting and management you can overcome most of these concerns.
The best way to learn about pruning is to take a good class with an experienced pruner. It is part skill and part art and while you can easily learn the major points from a handout it’s really helpful to be able to talk with someone about why they trimmed this branch but not that one. City Fruit is a good place to learn about low cost classes and what to do with your bounty of fruit.
Here is how we pruned our trees. The goal is to remove damaged branches, open up the interior of the tree and promote the growth of strong limbs.
Before pruning
After pruning
Cut branches can be used to border beds. Our dog loves to walk through this bed; we’ll see if this keeps him out!
Branches can also be forced into early blooms by putting them in water.
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