Spring and the beginning of the season are one of the most important moments in the care of fruit trees. This is when pruning is performed, which helps the plants grow better, sprout new shoots and bear more fruit. However, you need to know how to do it correctly. It’s not just about pruning itself, but also about properly securing the places left by the removed branches. This is the basis for tree health and good harvesting during the season.
Spring pruning of fruit trees and shrubs has several important purposes. First of all, removing dry, broken or diseased branches helps avoid the spread of diseases. This treatment also helps better fruiting and plant growth, stimulating them to sprout new shoots and ensuring better access of light to the interior of the crown.
The beginning of the season is the best time to carry out pruning because trees are just starting to bud, and the risk of infection is lower than in summer or autumn. This is an almost obligatory care treatment, but it is extremely important that it is carried out correctly. What do you mean by that?
In practice, this means above all using sharp and clean tools, making cuts at the right angle and avoiding excessive pruningwhich could weaken the plant. After the treatment, fresh wounds remain on the trees from the removed branches. Unfortunately, they are an easy route for diseases and pests, so apart from the cutting itself it is also very important to secure these places.
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After pruning trees, conductive tissues are exposed. In humid conditions and variable temperatures, they are particularly susceptible to infections. If not properly secured, they can become a place of entry for pathogenic fungi and pests.
As a consequence, bark rot, sap leakage or shoot dieback may occur. This is why Proper protection of wounds is one of the most important stages of spring pruningespecially in the case of older trees and stone fruit species.
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One of the simple and effective ways to protect wounds is using homemade charcoal paste. This is quick, ad hoc help, the operation of which is based on antibacterial, antifungal and wound healing properties.
To do this, just mix 1 tablespoon of powdered charcoal (it can be active), 1 tablespoon of sifted wood ash and a little boiled water. After obtaining a thick paste, apply it once to the fresh cut area. This way they will gain a protective coating.
The ointment is also popular among gardeners gardening made of wax and resin. You can make it yourself from beeswax, pine resin and linseed oil. This will create a flexible and waterproof ointment it will create a protective barrier, limit the development of pathogens and prevent cracking of the protective layer. This ointment will work well even on larger cut wounds.
