How to Prune an Autumn Moon Pear Tree
Core Guide: Techniques and key points of pruning management for Autumn Moon pear trees, as well as related experiences on how to prune them. Keep reading!
How to prune properly to achieve high-quality and high-yield fruit?
Firstly, break traditional thinking and do not prune according to the methods used for old varieties. Some fruit farmers even prune Autumn Moon pears using apple pruning methods, which is incorrect.
Because apples form flower buds in two years, while Autumn Moon pears can form flower buds in the same year. Moreover, the flower buds formed on the current year's new branches are more likely to grow good pears.
Secondly, if pruned into a main branch type as with apples, removing new branches and using old branches for fruiting results in poor quality and yield of pears.
Because Autumn Moon pears have a characteristic where the branches weaken after fruiting, and it's necessary to update the branches in a timely manner. Use flower buds formed on the current year's new branches or branches from the previous year without flower buds that have now formed flower buds. Just keep these two types of branches for pear production.
Thirdly, many people have difficulty deciding whether to slow down or cut short the branches of Autumn Moon pears. Based on several years of managing Autumn Moon pears, I have a deeper understanding: Autumn Moon pears can only be slightly topped, not cut short.
Because after cutting short, not only are the good flower buds removed, but the cut surface may sprout many strong branches like three-way, four-way, or even five-way forks, which can severely consume the tree's nutrients.
Comparatively Standard Pruning Method
Step one, first remove the sick and weak branches, such as those affected by scab or pest damage.
Step two, thin out the branches that block light. Autumn Moon pears must have a single layer of branches. When pruning, remove branches that block light and overlapping branches.
Step three, the main principle to grasp when pruning Autumn Moon pears is: remove the weak and keep the strong. The stronger the branches, the better the quality and size of the pears. Keep strong branches with full flower buds, and do not keep weak ones.
Step four, learn to cut back. For example, although some flower buds will still form on the current year's fruiting branches the following year, the quality of these buds is not very good. Cut back to an appropriate position on the new branches to encourage them to fruit.
Step five, prune properly. When topping, the cut should be made below the bud, not above it. For branches with bumps at the top, use topping to remove the weak buds above the bump.
The above introduction of pruning management techniques and key points for Autumn Moon pear trees, as well as a comprehensive explanation of how to prune them, is hoped to be helpful to you.