When it comes to planting fruit trees, it can be a significant investment both financially and in terms of time. It can take up to seven years from the time a tree is planted to the day it yields fruit. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when planting their trees and only realize it after waiting for years. In this article, we will explore some common mistakes people make when planting fruit trees and how to avoid them.
To provide expert insight, the author has invited Daniel, an arborist and tree specialist with six years of experience, to help identify common mistakes and provide guidance. Daniel stresses the importance of establishing a strong central leader with tiers of lateral branches, creating a balanced crown that can support the weight of fruit. He also emphasizes the importance of pruning at the right time and subordinating codominant stems to ensure the tree’s health and longevity.
Understanding the Importance of Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are a significant investment both financially and time-wise. It can take up to seven years between planting a tree and harvesting its fruit. Many people make mistakes when planting their fruit trees, and only after waiting for seven years do they realize their errors. Therefore, it is essential to set oneself up for long-term success when planting fruit trees.
To ensure that fruit trees grow correctly, it is crucial to have a strong central leader and tiers of lateral branches that come out like a lower layer, a mid-layer, and a top layer. Short branches that are stocky with lots of lateral branches coming off are ideal. The branches coming off the main stem should be a good ratio to the main stem, typically one-third or less. Codominant stems, where two leads are almost the same thickness, should be avoided as they can split in half in a windstorm or under the weight of fruit.
When pruning a fruit tree, it is essential to wait until the tree is established and has enough energy stored in its leaves. Heavy pruning can be traumatic for a young tree. Pruning should start with the lower leads and reduce them to slow down their growth so that the rest of the tree grows at a faster rate. Lateral branches that are about one-third of the diameter of the branch being pruned should be chosen, and the cut should be made just above the crotch. Pruning should be done when the tree is actively growing, and wounds should be allowed to heal quickly to prevent fungal pathogens from taking hold.
Common Mistakes in Planting Fruit Trees
When it comes to planting fruit trees, there are several common mistakes that can lead to the tree dying or not producing fruit for years. These mistakes include:
- Not establishing the tree before heavy pruning: It is important to allow the tree to establish itself before doing any heavy pruning. This is because the leaves are the tree’s energy source and cutting them too early can harm the tree’s growth.
- Not creating a strong central leader: A strong central leader with tiers of lateral branches is important for the tree’s structure. Short, stocky branches with lots of lateral branches are ideal.
- Allowing branches to become too thick: Branches that are more than a third of the thickness of the trunk should be reduced to prevent them from breaking under the weight of fruit.
- Allowing codominant stems: Two leads that are almost the same thickness can cause the tree to split in half in a windstorm or under the weight of fruit.
- Not pruning in the right season: Pruning in the fall when the tree is dormant can open it up to mold and fungal diseases. Pruning in the spring when the tree is actively growing allows it to heal small wounds faster.
By avoiding these common mistakes, fruit tree owners can set themselves up for long-term success and enjoy a fruitful harvest for years to come.
Inviting an Arborist for Guidance
The speaker in the video has invited an arborist and tree specialist, Daniel, to provide guidance on how to properly care for fruit trees. The speaker emphasizes that fruit trees are a significant investment in both time and money, as it can take up to seven years for a tree to produce fruit. Therefore, it is important to ensure long-term success by properly caring for the trees.
Daniel advises that before heavy pruning, it is essential to allow the tree to establish itself and grow. The leaves on a tree act as its energy source and should not be removed until the tree is established. When planting a new tree, it is crucial to address any issues that may cause problems in the future.
For fruit trees, a strong central leader and tiers of lateral branches are desired for a balanced and healthy crown. Short, stocky branches with many lateral branches are preferred to support the weight of the fruit. Branches coming off the main stem should be a third of the thickness or thinner to prevent splitting in half due to weight.
The arborist recommends reducing the size of branches that are too thick and subordinating others to slow their growth. Lateral branches that are about a third of the diameter of the branch being removed are ideal for future growth. Pruning should be done when the tree is actively growing to allow it to heal faster and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Overall, the guidance from the arborist will help ensure the long-term success of fruit trees and prevent mistakes that could lead to issues down the road.
Understanding the Structure of a Fruit Tree
When it comes to planting fruit trees, it’s important to understand their structure. Fruit trees are a significant investment in time and money, with up to seven years between planting and the first fruit harvest. However, many people make mistakes during the planting process, leading to problems down the road.
To ensure long-term success with fruit trees, it’s essential to establish a strong central leader and multiple tiers of lateral branches. The branches should be short and stocky, with lots of lateral branches coming off. It’s crucial to maintain a good ratio of branch thickness to the main stem, with branches ideally being a third of the thickness or thinner.
When pruning a young fruit tree, it’s important to avoid heavy pruning until the tree is established. The leaves are the tree’s energy source, and heavy pruning can be traumatic for a young tree. Instead, focus on addressing issues that may become major headaches in the future.
It’s important to choose one of the leads to be the centerpiece, the main tree limb that gets the most sunlight. Subordination can be used to slow down the growth of other branches, allowing the rest of the tree to grow at a faster rate. Pruning should be done in warm weather when the tree is actively growing, allowing the tree to heal small wounds quickly and reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
The Importance of Pruning
Pruning is a crucial process in the care and maintenance of fruit trees. It involves removing certain parts of the tree, such as branches and leaves, to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Pruning not only helps to shape the tree, but it also ensures that the tree is strong enough to support the weight of the fruit it produces.
According to an arborist and tree specialist, Daniel, pruning should be done after the tree has established itself in the ground for a few years. During the initial stage, the leaves on the tree act as its energy source, and heavy pruning can be detrimental to its growth. Once the tree has established itself, pruning can help to address issues that may arise in the future.
The goal of pruning is to create a strong central leader with tiers of lateral branches that form a well-proportioned crown. Short, stocky branches with lots of lateral branches are ideal. The branches that come off the main stem should be a third of the thickness or thinner. If the branches are too thick, they may not be able to support the weight of the fruit, causing them to break off.
Pruning also helps to address codominant stems, which are two leads that are almost exactly the same thickness and grow side by side. These stems can push bark between them, rather than interwoven wood fibers, causing the tree to split in half during a windstorm or when the fruit becomes too heavy.
Subordination is another pruning technique that involves reducing the growth of certain branches to fix the ratio of the tree’s growth. This technique helps to ensure that the rest of the tree grows at a faster rate than the subordinated branches.
Pruning should be done in the warm months when the tree is actively growing. Pruning during the fall, when the tree is dormant, can leave wounds open for a longer time and make the tree susceptible to fungal diseases.
In conclusion, pruning is an important process in the care and maintenance of fruit trees. It helps to create a strong, healthy tree that can support the weight of the fruit it produces. Proper pruning techniques can help to avoid issues that may arise in the future and ensure a bountiful harvest for years to come.
Choosing the Central Leader
When planting a fruit tree, it is important to choose a strong central leader and to establish tiers of lateral branches. The central leader should be the main limb that goes up and down and receives the most sunlight possible. The lateral branches should be shorter and stockier with lots of lateral branches coming off of them.
To ensure the tree’s long-term success, it is crucial to address issues that could become major headaches years down the road. Before heavy pruning, it is important to let the tree get established, as the leaves are the tree’s energy source. This is especially important for newly planted trees, as planting a new tree can be traumatic for the young plant.
When choosing lateral branches, it is best to follow the rule of thirds. The branches coming off the trunk should be a third of the thickness or thinner. One should also look for branches growing at a 45-degree angle or less, as this is a sign of a healthy attachment. If there are codominant stems, where two leads are almost exactly the same thickness, it is important to choose one to be the centerpiece and remove the other to prevent splitting in half in a windstorm or once the fruit gets too heavy.
Reducing the growth of some branches, also known as subordination, can help fix the ratio of the branches and ensure the long-term success of the tree. After a couple of years, one can go back and make course corrections if needed.
It is important to prune the tree when it is actively growing, as pruning in the fall when the tree is dormant can open up the tree to all kinds of mold and fungal diseases. Pruning when it is warm and the tree is actively growing allows the tree to heal those small wounds.
Identifying and Managing Codominant Stems
When it comes to planting fruit trees, it is important to ensure that they are set up for long-term success. One of the main issues that can arise is the development of codominant stems. This occurs when there are two or more stems of equal size growing from the same point on the trunk. As the tree grows and bears fruit, the weight can cause the stems to split, leading to potential damage or even death of the tree.
To manage codominant stems, it is important to identify them early on in the tree’s development. This can be done by examining the thickness of the branches relative to the trunk, as well as the angle at which they are growing. Ideally, branches should be no more than one-third the thickness of the trunk and should be growing at a 45-degree angle or less.
If codominant stems are identified, it is important to take action to address the issue. This can be done by reducing the size of the branches and choosing one to be the main leader. The chosen leader should be the strongest and most central stem, and should be pruned to encourage upward growth and maximum exposure to sunlight.
It is important to note that heavy pruning should not be done until the tree is well-established, as the leaves are the tree’s energy source. Planting a new tree is a traumatic experience for the tree, and heavy pruning can cause further stress. However, addressing codominant stems early on can set the tree up for long-term success and prevent potential issues down the road.
By following these guidelines and regularly monitoring the tree’s growth, fruit tree owners can ensure that their trees are healthy and productive for years to come.
The Process of Subordination
When planting a fruit tree, it is important to remember that it is a long-term investment both financially and in terms of time. It can take up to seven years for a tree to bear fruit, so it is essential to take care of the tree during its early years to ensure long-term success.
To help with this process, an arborist and tree specialist recommends subordination, which involves slowing down the growth of certain branches to ensure a strong central leader and evenly spaced lateral branches.
The arborist recommends waiting until the tree is established before heavy pruning, as the leaves provide energy for the tree and help it grow. However, it is important to address issues early on to prevent future problems.
To achieve a strong central leader and evenly spaced lateral branches, the arborist recommends short, stocky branches with lots of lateral branches coming off. The branches coming off the main stem should be a good ratio to the trunk, typically one-third or less in thickness.
When dealing with codominant stems, where two leads are almost exactly the same thickness, it is important to choose one as the centerpiece and ensure it gets the most sunlight possible. The other lead should be subordinated to slow down its growth and prevent future problems.
Subordination involves reducing the growth of certain branches, such as those that are too thick or growing at acute angles, to fix the ratio of lateral branches to the trunk. The arborist recommends following down the stem and finding a lateral branch that is about one-third the diameter of the branch being pruned.
Overall, subordination is an important process to ensure the long-term success of a fruit tree. While it is important to address issues early on, it is also important to wait until the tree is established before heavy pruning.
Proper Timing for Pruning
When it comes to pruning fruit trees, timing is crucial. It is important to wait until the tree is established and has enough energy from its leaves before doing any heavy pruning. This typically takes around two to three years after planting. Pruning too early can be traumatic for the tree and may cause long-term damage.
The goal of pruning fruit trees is to create a strong central leader with tiers of lateral branches coming out like a lower layer, a mid layer, and a top layer. Short, stocky branches with lots of lateral branches coming off of them are ideal. It is also important to maintain a good ratio between the main stem and the branches that come off of it. The branches should be one-third or less the thickness of the trunk.
When pruning, it is important to choose which lead will be the centerpiece and get the most sunlight. This will be the main tree limb to rule them all. It is also important to reduce the size of any codominant stems, which are two leads that are almost exactly the same thickness. These stems can cause the tree to split in half in a windstorm or when the fruit gets too heavy.
Subordination is a pruning technique used to slow down the growth of certain branches so that the rest of the tree can catch up. This involves cutting back to a lateral branch that is about one-third the diameter of the branch being pruned.
It is important to avoid pruning in the fall when the tree is dormant. Pruning during this time can open up the tree to mold, fungal diseases, and wood rotting fungus. Pruning in the spring when the tree is actively growing allows it to heal small wounds quickly and reduces the risk of disease.
By following these pruning techniques and timing guidelines, fruit tree owners can set themselves up for long-term success and a bountiful harvest.
Addressing Fungal Diseases and Pests
When it comes to fruit trees, fungal diseases and pests can be a major concern. It’s important to address these issues early on to prevent long-term damage to the tree.
According to Daniel, an arborist and tree specialist, pruning is a crucial step in preventing fungal diseases and pests. However, it’s important to time pruning correctly. Heavy pruning should be avoided until the tree is established, as the leaves are the tree’s energy source and help it grow.
To prevent fungal diseases and pests, it’s important to cultivate a strong central leader and tiers of lateral branches. Short, stocky branches with lots of lateral branches coming off are ideal. Branches should be a good ratio to the main stem, typically one-third or less in thickness.
Codominant stems, where two leads are almost exactly the same thickness, should be avoided, as they can cause the tree to split in half in a windstorm or when the fruit becomes too heavy.
It’s best to prune when the tree is actively growing, as this allows the tree to heal small wounds quickly and prevent fungal diseases from taking hold. Pruning in the fall, when the tree is dormant, can leave wounds open for a longer period of time and increase the risk of fungal diseases.
By following these pruning guidelines, fruit trees can be protected from fungal diseases and pests, ensuring a healthy and fruitful harvest for years to come.
The Role of Lateral Branches
Lateral branches play a crucial role in the growth and development of fruit trees. When planting a new tree, it is important to establish a strong central leader and create tiers of lateral branches that come out in a lower layer, mid layer, and top layer. These lateral branches should be short, stocky, and have lots of lateral branches coming off of them.
It is important to note that before heavy pruning, the tree should be allowed to get established. The leaves on the tree are its energy source and allow it to send nutrients to the roots. When planting a new tree, it is traumatic for the tree, and it is important to address any issues that may become major headaches down the road.
When pruning, it is important to choose which one of the leads will be the centerpiece and get the most sunlight possible. The lateral branches that are coming off of the main stem should be a good ratio to the main stem, typically a third of the thickness or thinner. If the branches are too thick, they will not be able to support the weight of the fruit and will eventually break off.
Subordination is another important concept to keep in mind when pruning. This involves slowing down the growth of certain lateral branches so that the rest of the tree can grow at a faster rate. It is essential to follow down the stem and find a lateral branch that is about a third of the diameter of the branch being pruned.
Pruning should be done when the tree is actively growing, and the wounds will be able to heal quickly. Pruning in the fall when the tree is dormant can leave the wounds open for a longer period of time, which can lead to fungal diseases and wood rotting fungus.
Long-Term Tree Care
When it comes to caring for fruit trees, it is important to think long-term. Trees are a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time. It can take up to seven years for a fruit tree to bear fruit, so it is essential to ensure that the tree is set up for long-term success from the moment it is planted.
One key aspect of long-term tree care is pruning. Before heavy pruning, it is important to allow the tree to become established. The leaves of the tree are its energy source, acting as solar panels to send energy into the roots. When planting a new tree, it is a traumatic experience for the tree, so it is important to address any potential issues early on.
To ensure success, fruit trees should have a strong central leader and tiers of lateral branches. The branches should be short and stocky with lots of lateral branches coming off. It is important to maintain a good ratio between the branches and the main stem, with branches being a third of the thickness or thinner.
A common issue with fruit trees is codominant stems, where two leads are almost exactly the same thickness. This can cause the tree to split in half during a windstorm or when the fruit becomes too heavy. To prevent this, it is important to choose one lead as the centerpiece and ensure that it gets the most sunlight possible.
When pruning, it is important to follow the rule of thirds. Lateral branches should be about a third of the diameter of the branch being pruned. This helps to maintain a good ratio between the branches and the main stem, ensuring that the tree grows at a healthy rate.
In general, pruning should be done when the tree is actively growing, as this allows the tree to heal small wounds quickly. Pruning during the fall, when the tree is dormant, can leave the tree open to mold and fungal diseases. It is important to prune when the tree is actively growing to help it heal small wounds and prevent the growth of water sprouts.