We just finished pruning our fruit trees for this season, their first winter pruning, and I wanted to share some pictures of the finished product. The first season is instrumental in choosing the form your tree will have during its lifetime. I usually choose between open center/vase shaped tree or the central leader/Christmas tree shape. Both try to maximize sunlight to all parts of the tree and if you cannot figure out the shape for your tree, most times your tree will choose for you. There are some who say you have to have a certain shape for certain kinds of trees, but I think it is easier to work with the natural shape of the tree.
Below is a picture of an open center tree form. This is our Hudson's Golden Gem, an Oregon born tree, and note the spreading of the branches by use of stakes and string. This will insure proper branch angle to open the center of the tree, and can be removed later in the season. We also headed back each of the branches about 4-6 inches to a downward facing but to ensure the continued progression of the tree outward.
The next image is for a central leader tree. This is one of our Asian pears, which will have vigorous upright laterals, and strong branches. Note how large the tree is already after only one season. Again we used string and stakes to reinforce form and branch angle, and note the clearly defined central leader.
Okay, the next steps will come in Feb./Mar when we will fertilize the trees for the second time with balanced 8-4-4 pelleted fertilizer. We are hoping for 2-3 feet of extension growth this season.
Until next time, be fruitful!
