Carry out a spring pruning
The pruning to be done at the end of winter is called “soft” pruning. But what is it about? This type of pruning consists of only pruning 15 to 20% of the branches, a maximum of 30% in sick and infested trees. The goal is to aerate the branches, because superfluous branches draw sap at the expense of others, to renew the fruit-bearing branches and to remove dry branches to promote a healthy environment.
The advantage of gentle pruning over severe pruning is that unlike the latter, it does not lead to the growth of a large number of non-productive vertical shoots, called suckers, on the branches nor of shoots at the base of the tree. When to do this spring pruning depends not only on the region in which you live, but also on the weather:
- In regions where the climate is mild, it can be carried out at the end of winter, between March and April, in order to stimulate the appearance of the first buds.
- In regions where there is still a risk of frost during the month of Aprilit is better to wait until the second half of April, or even later.
Generally speaking, to know the best time to prune your fruit trees, you must take into account the flowering period of the trees. Therefore, plants whose flower buds bloom between May and June must be pruned in April to encourage the most beautiful buds.
Fruit trees to prune in April
Among the trees that we most tend to install in our gardens, you will find below those which should be pruned earlier or later during this month, depending on your region and the weather.
1. Apple tree
Apple trees should be pruned as soon as the buds are clearly recognizable, so as not to cut the flower buds, but before they burst. The flower buds are swollen and perpendicular to the branch who carry them, while the wood buds, which will give a branch, are long and pointed. Be careful to prune above a bud that points outwards.
2. Japanese medlar
In April, you can carry out a thinning pruning by cutting the branches that have fructified. This is also the time to cut off any ends that have suffered from frost or are bothering you. Be careful, however, not to indulge in over-trimming, a gentle cut is essential!
3. Olivier
As soon as frost is no longer to be feared, you can prune your olive tree. In some regions it is recommended to wait until the end of April to cut fruit branches from the previous year.
4. Vine
Only prune your vines when the temperatures have cooled and that the risk of frost has been eliminated. This size will allow you to ensure a good harvest of grapes.
5. Fig tree
Do not start pruning your fig tree while the weather is unpredictable and there is a risk of a cold snap. In some regions, it is better to wait until the end of the month. When pruning, cut off branches that rise vertically inside your fig tree. This will ensure good passage of light and better ventilation of the tree for a more abundant harvest.
6. Khaki
In April, you can give your persimmon tree a light pruning. If your tree is still young, it is time to choose the carpenters who will determine the shape of the tree. The latter can be a goblet, a spindle or a devil’s palmette. Reduce the length of the main branches to limit their vigor.
7. Lemon tree
When temperatures are getting milder, you can proceed to prune your lemon tree. This means cutting down troublesome wood, wood that is dying, old wood that is no longer very productive and gluttonous wood that is in excess. By doing so, you will allow your tree to focus on producing lemons. But be careful, this size must remain quite light!
8. Apricot tree
As for the apricot tree, you must above all rebalance it. To let light through and give your tree a ventilated habit, prune so that you only keep the branches that grow outwards and cut off fragile branches.