How to prune trees in winter: rules and mistakes

Pruning trees in winter is an important part of garden maintenance, especially for crops such as apple, pear, and cherry trees. It has several advantages, because at this time the tree is at rest, and all its defects are clearly visible.

However, for pruning to be effective and safe for plants, several important rules should be followed. OBOZ.UA offers to learn the tips of experienced gardeners on when and what trees to prune.

When to prune trees

Pruning in winter can be done from late January to early March. First, prune pome crops (apple trees, pears), and only then stone fruits (cherries, plums, gooseberries, barberries). The air temperature during pruning should not be lower than -5°C, and the procedure itself should not coincide with the period when the sap begins to flow in the tree. In the southern regions of Ukraine, you can start pruning in January, in the northern and central regions - from February.

Rules for winter pruning of trees

The first important rule is to choose the right weather for pruning. In severe frost, tree branches become brittle, which complicates the process and can lead to damage. The ideal temperature for pruning is -5°C. It is also necessary to refrain from working in rainy weather, as wet wood cuts poorly, and cutting before a sharp cold snap can cause frost damage.

The second rule is the proper processing of the cuts. If the cuts on the branches have a diameter of more than 2 cm, they should be treated with garden varnish or special products suitable for low temperatures (from 0 to -5°C). This will help prevent rotting and damage to the tree.

Tree pruning algorithm

The pruning process includes several stages. First, you need to remove dry and damaged branches, which can be done in the fall by marking them for further pruning. Then you should remove branches growing inside the crown or in the wrong direction - down or up. Branches that grow horizontally should be left as they ensure the correct crown shape and good access to sunlight.

Mistakes when pruning trees in winter

One of the most common pruning mistakes is choosing the wrong weather. If the pruning is done during severe frosts, the cuts may not heal, which will lead to the death of part of the tree. Another common mistake is the lack of postoperative treatment of cuts, in particular, if you do not treat large cuts with special means. This can lead to the penetration of diseases or damage to the tree.

It is also important to disinfect tools before pruning. Many gardeners believe that diseases are not a threat in winter, but microorganisms can survive in cold weather and be transferred from one tree to another through contaminated tools.

Winter pruning is an important procedure for maintaining the health and productivity of garden trees. By following the rules and avoiding mistakes, you can ensure proper growth and development of trees for the next season.

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