Incorrect timing and technique of pruning can seriously harm trees — up to loss of harvest and death of plants. This was stated by agronomist N. Skuiņš.
According to him, one of the most common mistakes is pruning too early. In this case, trees weaken, become ill, and bear fruit poorly. However, delaying the procedure is also not advisable: with late pruning, the plant loses a large amount of sap, and the moist cuts become vulnerable to infections. The optimal period, the specialist noted, is the end of February to the beginning of March.
Many problems also arise from using the wrong tools. Using dull saws and pruners, as well as attempting to break branches by hand, damages the tree. Equally important is how the cut is made: leaving long stubs or, conversely, cutting too close to the trunk is considered a mistake. A proper cut is made at the collar. If it is absent, it is recommended to remove the branch in stages — in three passes, to avoid damaging the bark.
The expert also paid special attention to treating the cuts. Often, they are either left completely untreated or unsuitable means are used. For protection, it is better to use special pastes, for example, based on lanolin. At the same time, small wounds — up to 2 centimeters — can be left untreated.
Another typical mistake is the wrong choice of branches for removal. Beginners often remove healthy parts of the crown, leaving so-called water sprouts, which thicken the tree and prevent fruiting. At the same time, branches with a sharp angle of departure from the trunk are ignored, although they most often break under the weight of the harvest and cause serious damage.
The expert also warned that heavy pruning of weakened, sick, or frost-damaged trees can lead to their death.
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