Trimming Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are very popular here in Minnesota and they are going to need the attention of a professional tree services company from time to time.
The variety and types of fruit trees that grow in MN can sometimes be overwhelming. Everyone loves to have the fresh tasty fruits for many reasons.
Most people that live in Minnesota enjoy tasty apples from International Falls to Austin there are many types of Apples that grow in our state. Different types of apples are grown in different Zones. This selective process allows for the heartiest trees to grow where the climate dictates these varieties.
Pruning Fruit Trees is a science. It is important to know which time of year to prune a fruit tree can mean the difference between a long a healthy tree life and a not so good producer. Pruning should be done before mid-April. For pruning a young tree all that is required in the way of tools is a sharp hand pruner. For larger branches on an older tree, a small pruning saw may be needed. Pruning helps develop and shape a tree to give it a strong form that will support fruit in later years. A nursery grown tree generally has more than one leader. Prune the tree so you have only one central leader remaining. Make all cuts approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch away from the trunk so that the branched collar is not damaged. Remove any dead or diseased branches. Light pruning is generally advised, as pruning too heavily will stop the tree from bearing in its early years.
Wrapping fruit trees while they are young is important to protect them from girdling by rabbits and mice. Wrap with a cylinder 6 to 8 inches in diameter of 1/4 inch hardware cloth that extends from 1 inch below the ground to a height of 18 inches to 2 feet. Plastic drain field pipe works well also. Cut to length and slit one side with a knife and place around the tree making sure it extends 1 inch below ground.
Apple and pear trees in Minnesota should be wrapped in the winter until the tree has a least a 5 to 8-inch diameter. Wrap the trunk with a tree wrap available at most garden centers; burlap will work well also. This is to prevent sunscald, a common winter injury caused by the freezing and thawing of the cells in the trunk of the tree, causing the bark to split. Painting the south side of the tree with white latex paint, rather than wrapping it, will also help.
Fruit trees are especially resilient. Even if pruning is done incorrectly, the tree will likely survive. However, your tree’s fruit production may vary from year to year. In addition, your tree may grow incorrectly, which could lead to health issues later. Skilled arborists can study a tree and anticipate how a tree will react to pruning. This is truly an art that is honed over many seasons of practice. Arborists can also prune the tree to more quickly reach the desired goal. Finally, for larger trees, pruning can be dangerous. An injured tree-owner is more serious than an injured tree. By hiring a skilled arborist, you can avoid both.
In The Twin Cities, you can contact Ivan’s Tree Service. With over 15 years of experience servicing all types of trees, Ivan’s Tree Service can help with the trimming or removal of fruit trees on your property.