When is it better to prune chestnut trees
Answering netizens' questions about when it is better to prune chestnut trees and topics related to pruning methods and maintenance techniques for chestnut trees, let's take a look together.
Time: mostly from late December to February of the following year, and it can also be pruned again from May to July of the second year.
Shortening: cut off the one-year-old parts, shorten 1/3 to 2/3 of the branches, and control the number of shortenings for mature trees.
Thinning: cut off the one-year-old or multi-year-old branches from the base, mainly cutting off the dried branches, thin branches, disease and pest branches, etc.
Retraction: shortening multi-year-old branches for more than two years, cutting off the terminal branches to rejuvenate and strengthen the tree.
I. Time
Pruning chestnut trees is often chosen in winter, from late December to February of the following year, mainly to prune the useless parts on the tree to avoid consuming more nutrients inside the tree, and it can also enhance ventilation and light transmission after pruning. When pruning in winter, avoid severe cold in the region. Additionally, it can be pruned again from May to July of the following year, but be careful not to over-prune to avoid affecting the tree's vigor.
II. Shortening
Shortening usually involves cutting off the one-year-old parts, which can stimulate the lateral buds to produce strong branches, making the tree canopy more compact. Shortening can cut off 1/3 of the branches, which is called light shortening, while heavy shortening usually cuts off 2/3 or more of the branches. Shortening is suitable for young tree shaping, and for mature fruit trees, the number of shortenings should be controlled.
III. Thinning
Directly cut off one-year-old branches or multi-year-old branches from the base, which not only benefits the formation of flower buds but also enhances ventilation. Additionally, for dried branches, thin branches, and disease and pest branches, they should be thinned in a timely manner. For young trees, do not thin too many branches, and for mature trees, pruning mainly focuses on thinning.
IV. Retraction
Retraction involves shortening multi-year-old branches for more than two years, retaining a developing branch that originates from a dormant bud on the multi-year-old branch, and cutting off the terminal branches. For the weak branches of old trees, retraction can achieve rejuvenation and strengthening. When chestnut trees enter the senescence stage, the tips of the main branches will show severe withering, at which point it should be retracted to the middle or base, which can stimulate the dormant buds to produce strong buds, allowing them to be trained into main branches and form a new tree canopy.
The above sharing of when it is better to prune chestnut trees and the complete introduction of pruning methods and maintenance techniques for chestnut trees, for everyone to learn and understand!