Fruit Trees - Drastic pruning

Walstib

I've got a few cherry trees that I planted and never did much for them after that. They are about 2-3 inches in diameter now. What is the best way to prune these to get a good shape? What is the best time of the year? Can I do this now? Thanks

dov

Cherry trees are strange trees out of the fruit trees. You see, some varieties will fruit on the same fruiting spikes every year. I presume that you trees have not started fruiting much yet, but when you prune keep this in mind.

All that said, the best shape for the majority of fruit trees is the 'vase' shape. Basically 3 or so main branches coming out from the centre with the centre left open for air and light to come in. The more clear air flow around your trees, the less disease and mould and insect infestations you will be likely to get.

Too savage a prune will produce a lot of non-fruiting growth in the tree. I'll try and find some good online pruning guides for you.

Walstib

Thanks Dov

I did see one cherry this year, but I'm more concerned with getting the shape fixed now even if it delays fruit for a couple of years.

glennak

I prefer a tree with central leader, they are so much more stable long lived and better looking. Vase maybe better for commerial picking but that's about it.

Brent Ferris

I prefer a tree with a central leader for stability, and 3 or 4 branches vase like to enhance picking of fruit.

glennak

Walstib put up a picture and we can put dotted lines to show where to cut

dov

Central leader to how high?

dov

I don't know about that. Some of my Great-great-grandfathers trees are still kicking on alright.

Walstib

I'll try and get some photos this weekend.

Walstib

They are up at my camp

glennak

How many wires are there holding them together?

dov

None.

Brent Ferris

Same height as the canopy of the tree, whatever height the tree is maintained at.

Do you happen to have any pics of these wonderful trees. Might be great for learning a few things.

Safe journey on your trip to Nepal.

Arborist Austin

Peach trees really have trouble growing here in Austin but it can be done and drastic pruning really helps production. <a href="http://www.AustinTreeSurgeons.com">Arborist Austin</a>

dov

Wish I did. Haven't been to that property for some years actually, but they were doing well then - and since they've been there since the 1800's it shouldn't make much difference.

Nepal? Ye I was supposed to be off to there this month, but my Dad's 75th is on the 22nd and I'm not going to miss that for the world! I'll get to Nepal eventually, but will have to spend at least 6 weeks free to travel around visiting friends so I don't offend anyone by passing them by. Meanwhile the Nepali community here in Melbourne keeps me on my toes. Funny thing is, I grew up as part of the German Lutheran community here, but somehow seem to find myself now pulled into the Nepali community. Stranger thing is how much I love it.

Back to the trees. I guess if the trees are still small enough, splitting future growth between 3-4 leaders is a wise enough choice, but if taking out the main leader is going to cause a huge wound, I'd certainly think twice about it, especially with any sort of Prunus.

dov

This pruning guide seems pretty good. It does have an small extra section on Cherry trees as well, which will explain about what wood Cherry trees fruit on.

Brent Ferris

Good reference, Dov!

dov

Thanks. It comes from an excellent tree nursery near where I grew up.

Bowani Siam

Yes, Flemings have some fantastic trees, great condition and interesting variety. (NO I do not work for Flemings) Good simple pruning guide dude!

Eric Frei

Pruning Help - Cherry Tree (Photos Attached)

Okame Cherry: bad branching structure?

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