Peach pruning in different climates in spring, summer and autumn
One of the must-haves for tree care is peach pruning in spring, summer and fall. The tree needs maximum light, but builds up the ground part intensively. As a result, the crown thickens due to the branches without a crop, there is not enough light. Pruning adjusts the shape of the tree and removes fatty undergrowth. The forces of the tree are directed to the formation of the crop.
What caused the choice of crown shape
It depends on the climatic features how to cut the peach correctly, which crown shape to choose:
- The cup-shaped tiered crown is used in areas with a warm climate and mild winters.
- The formation of a "fruit link" creates a creeping stem of two skeletal branches, which bear fruit alternately. Planting thickened, called in another way "meadow garden", is used in cold climates under the shelter.
- The shape of the bush represents some of the most developed shoots from the ground, which are cut after they have borne. This form of peach is often used in the Moscow region.
The timing of peach pruning in spring depends on the climatic features of the region. In cold winters, when there is a danger of frostbite, the first pruning from spring is postponed to the time when the leaves have blossomed - it becomes clear how much the affected branches need to be cut.
Tree formation tasks
Pruning is done to increase the yield of the tree and extend its productive life. The nutrients extracted by the roots from the soil are distributed evenly along the trunk. In this case, branches without fruit grow faster, thickening the crown. The tree inside is bare, and the harvest is minimal. If young twigs do not grow, fruiting will stop.
Pruning is done in order to:
- improve the lighting and ventilation of the tree;
- facilitate harvesting;
- stimulate the formation of fruitful shoots;
- remove old branches, rejuvenating the tree;
- give the desired shape to the crown.
There are several types of pruning, each of which is performed at a specific time. The ground part is formed from several types of growth: growth generative and annual bouquet branches. Mixed and spinning tops are also branches, but you can't wait for a harvest from them.
Pruning peaches in the spring forms a stem of the desired shape from the seedling, before fruiting and in subsequent years. During the entire growing season, sanitary pruning is carried out - the removal of frost-beaten or broken branches. Thinning of a peach tree, removal of fattening branches belongs to the same type. Spring pruning forms the crown of a young tree and shortens some of the fruiting branches so that new shoots develop on them. This is called form trimming.
Pruning peaches in spring is the most crucial period for beginner gardeners. It is impossible to be late, with strong sap flow, the operation is not performed. It is necessary to form a tree according to the scheme, thinning out, but leaving fruitful shoots with buds.Of course, vertical branches growing on skeletal branches at a distance of 1 meter from the tree trunk should be removed per ring. It happens, with a very rarefied lower tier, such branches are rejected by gradual pruning on the outer peephole. The effect is complemented by pulling the branch down with a rope.
If old branches give little growth, they are removed with anti-aging pruning. It is important that rejuvenation is carried out over several years, gradually. You cannot cut a lot of wood at the same time, the tree will die.
The sequence of the formation of various types of crowns
Pruning is carried out in dry weather. At the same time, the root growth is removed.
The scheme of pruning a peach in a bowl is typical for giving a spreading shape, adjustable upward growth.
When planting a seedling, all branches on the trunk are removed 50 cm from the ground. Leave 3-4 branches, which will be skeletal for the lower tier. Pinch the top growth point. The next spring, the grown shoots are shortened by a third, branches of the second order are formed on them. In the third year, all branches growing in depth, or horizontally, are removed on this tier.
As it grows, a second tier of 5 skeletal branches is formed, but the top is constantly trimmed to limit growth. But she is left with 2 kidneys. A properly formed tree after 5 years has 2 fruit tiers, sparse branches and growth of no more than 3 meters.
When the crown is being formed by the bush, there is no central conductor. The design of the bush is carried out from 4 lower branches as soon as the seedling is placed in place. This planting guarantees quick recovery, even if some of the wood freezes. The bush has enough light, as there are few branches. In summer, such twigs are pinched 30-40 cm to create a new wave of growth of young shoots for next year's harvest.
The formation of the fruit link is a creeping form, the twigs are easy to cover for the winter. Peaches are planted densely - 2x0.5 m, in order to get no more than 15 fruits from each tree. The first year the peach is allowed to grow and gain strength. In the spring, the seedling is pruned, leaving 2 branches close to the ground. One branch will give a crop, the second - a safety one. They are changed every year.
In the summer, one branch is covered with young fruit branches, which will yield a harvest. On the second, the branches are pruned. On each of the branches, 2 branches are left, closest to the trunk, to continue the development of the tree. After harvesting, the old branch is cut off. During this time, the branches of replacement have grown. It turns out a creeping bush.
Formative summer peach care
Summer is a period when weekly grooming with pinching, pinching or removing 10 cm of shoots can reduce the trauma from pruning in autumn and spring.
Pruning peaches in summer is the most gentle operation. Only in the summer is it visible if there are frostbitten branches on the tree. It is necessary to remove them, the wood is no longer able to support sap flow. In the summer, young shoots are harvested that grow inside the crown. When the fruit pours up to 1 cm in cross section, it is necessary to remove the extra ovaries. It is considered correct if an adult tree has 80 abundantly fruiting branches or 200 infertile ones. The fewer fruits on the tree, the larger and sweeter they will be. Summer peach pruning regulates the yield and prevents thickening of the tree.
Autumn tree pruning
After harvest peach begin to prepare for rest. Until November, the tree gradually decreases sap flow. After harvesting, it is necessary to remove the broken branches, shortening part of the fruiting branches. At this time, the movement of the juice is less, the wounds do not get wet, and the tree does not receive severe stress.
Peach pruning in the fall takes place from September to 15 October. It is not worth tightening, each cut weakens the tree. He needs to go strong into the winter.
Only taking care of the peach during the entire growing season forms the correct crown with the least stress. Each pruning is a surgical operation associated with the introduction of diseases into an open wound.