Arborists like to say that no tree should be pruned without a clear objective – what are we trying to accomplish with this work? That tree’s purpose in our landscape will set the objectives. With fruit trees, there are often two objectives in a landscape setting. First, we want an attractive tree adding aesthetic enjoyment to the view. Second, we want fruit production, and not necessarily too much. Production orchards are pruned for production with little concern for aesthetics.
Early in the fruit tree’s life, it should be structurally pruned. This will take several seasons of guiding growth each year with selected cuts that lead the tree into a good form for its species. Stone fruits like peaches and plums often get a vase shape to make sure light penetrates the whole canopy. Apple and pear often are pruned into modified central leader form.
Mature trees in decent shape need enough pruning to rejuvenate fruiting wood, keep light penetration, and no more. The more leaves on the tree, the more it can feed itself!
Older and neglected trees can be brought back into a decent shape over a few years, though dead wood can never be regenerated (Frankenstein is fiction with wood as with flesh). Dead wood is removed, long breakable branches get shortened, and often the height of the whole tree is brought down. This must be done over a few to several years to avoid shocking the tree into decline and death. Legacy Tree can help with your fruit trees!
Contact us to find out more about our Albuquerque tree removal services.
