How to rejuvenate an old apple tree - by pruning
Content:
Over the years and under the influence of unfavorable environmental factors, fruit trees may begin to wither, and yield gradually decreases. However, there are a number of preventive measures and therapeutic measures for resuscitation of garden culture, which will not only help restore the vegetation in the tree, but also give it external expressiveness.
Timing of pruning old apple trees
It is recommended to rejuvenate fruit crops not in one go, but over several years. Spring, as well as the autumn period, are considered by experts to be the most optimal time for anti-aging activities.
The main signs of the need to rejuvenate an apple tree: an abundance of dry branches, cracks in the trunk and a low yield
In the spring season, before the sap moves in the plant, they begin to cut off unnecessary (old and diseased) parts of the crown. An old apple tree in comfortable conditions and at a warm air temperature can quickly recover and grow a fresh crown by winter.
When pruning in the fall, you need to wait until the tree stops bearing fruit, that is, the entire crop has already been harvested, and the leaves will be dropped. In this case, you should not wait until severe frosts.
Scheme of rejuvenating pruning of apple trees
There are 3 main methods of how to rejuvenate an old apple tree: gradual, half and one-time. In addition, one more technique will be described - "village".
Gradual anti-aging pruning
The first method is the longest and takes about 3 years.
- At the first stage, unhealthy branches and tops are cut off.
- The next year, they pay attention to large areas that do not bear fruit: 3-4 large branches are cut down and thick places from thin branches are thinned out.
- Finally, gardeners shorten the remaining branches to give life to other shoots.
Half (modern) anti-aging pruning
The half scheme is extended over a period of 24 months. First, the tree is shortened from the south. In terms of dimensions, it should be within 2 meters in width, 3 meters in height.
Then you need to do the same from the north. At the same time, only good branches remain - strong and strong, capable of continuing the growing season in a new form.
Tree pruning is done according to a specific scheme
Disposable anti-aging pruning
One-time pruning is the removal of all unnecessary areas of the apple tree in 1 step. It is possible to renew the culture at a time only in the spring, that is, in the season when the tree has the opportunity to recover on its own after the procedure.
Complementary Method: Rustic
In addition to the described methods, there is one more method with the conditional name "rustic". It is considered to be one of the easiest ways to combat wood aging.
It is as follows: in early spring, you need to thoroughly cut down the trunk of the tree, leaving only 1 healthy young branch intact. You need to tie a rope or wire to it and fix it on a support that is firmly in the ground. If the branch is growing horizontally, it must be lifted and directed upward.It is this twig that will eventually nourish the tree, which will lead to its thickening and active growth.
How to properly prune apple tree branches - basic requirements
The rejuvenation process consists of 3 stages:
- Preparation of gardening and construction tools.
- Carrying out a step-by-step procedure.
- Follow-up care of the tree.
What tools will be needed
What funds are needed to work:
- Hacksaws with different sizes of teeth.
- Mechanical or electrical secateurs.
- Ladder for working with tall trees.
- Durable gloves: Better to use combo options with leather inserts in the palm area.
- A solution of lime, chlorine and alcohol for cleaning tools.
How to carry out the procedure correctly
How to reanimate an apple tree: basic requirements
- Remove large branches.
- Clear tight spots by opening up light to the crown.
- Pay particular attention to diseased and damaged areas.
- The trunk also needs to be reduced - up to 3-3.5 meters.
- Do not get too carried away with the renewal process: it is unacceptable to leave more than 10 pieces of top shoots per fruit tree.
Materials and tools used for trimming must be of high quality and reliable
Post-rejuvenation care
Pruning old apple trees for rejuvenation will bring undoubted benefits to both the tree and the gardener, but for the culture itself, such events are stressful. After such a serious resuscitation, the tree needs to be looked after. In particular:
- Treat wounds and injuries with oil paint and drying oil. Large cracks can be treated with plasticine.
- Fertilize the apple tree. So, in April, the tree should be fed with nitrogen, in May and early summer, add superphosphate, and in September, add calcium sulfate.
- After feeding, watering is required: about 25 liters / sq. meter.
Useful Tips
How to rejuvenate an apple tree: additional recommendations are presented below.
- The gardener chooses the best way for his capabilities to combat the wilting of the apple tree. The most suitable method for trees is the gradual method.
- The one-time scheme can be used only when there are no more than 1/3 of the tree's dry and old branches, otherwise it is better to postpone further pruning for 10-12 months.
- For smooth rejuvenation, it is useful to use supports for those branches that have not yet been cut.
- Proven tools are selected for work, those that a person can apply in practice. Electric options are preferred because they cut faster and more accurately, but they require specialized skills than mechanical models.
- At first, a renewed tree requires active feeding.
In winter, it is undesirable to carry out the process of tree rejuvenation.
It is not difficult to extend the period of active life of an apple tree, even novice gardeners can organize this on their own. It is important to remember the main points: timing, features of pruning branches and subsequent high-quality tree care.
