Time and Method for Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
Let me share with you some small experiences in green plant maintenance regarding the timing and method for pinching the tips of apple trees. Let's get to know more about it.
Time and Method for Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
Pinching the tips of an apple tree refers to the method of removing the tender tip of the new shoot. This can promote the differentiation of flower buds and also reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests. The main part to be pinched is at the top, where you need to first remove the tender tip and then pinch off 1-5 tender leaves at the top, leaving only the petioles. The pinching is usually done 3-4 times continuously from May to June, which can effectively control the growth and promote flowering. It can also be pinched again in June to promote secondary branches, which is beneficial for expanding the crown and increasing the number of branches.
Functions of Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
Pinching the tips of an apple tree refers to the method of removing the tender tip of the new shoot, which can promote the differentiation of flower buds and also reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Pinching the apple tree can prevent some branches from overgrowing, and this method can ensure sufficient nutrition and stabilize the tree's momentum. It can also promote flowering and fruiting. After removing the top growing point, new buds can sprout, known as secondary branches in cultivation, which can increase the number of branches and is key to promoting early flowering and fruiting of the fruit tree.
Pinching Location of Apple Tree
The main location for pinching the apple tree is at the top, where you need to first remove the tender tip and then pinch off 1-5 tender leaves at the top, leaving only the petioles.
Flowering After Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
The flowering time after pinching the tips of an apple tree varies with geographical location. In the north, it generally flowers in May.
Suitable Time for Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
The pinching of apple trees is usually done 3-4 times continuously from May to June, which can effectively control the growth and promote flowering. It can also be pinched again in June to promote secondary branches, which is beneficial for expanding the crown and increasing the number of branches.
Appropriate Height for Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
The height for pinching the apple tree is generally started when the branch tip grows to 50-60 centimeters, which will not affect its healthy growth because it is already in the growing stage.
Method for Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
1. Upper branches and strong-growing branches:
If the strong-growing upper branches, vertical strong-growing branches, and competing branches of the apple tree are not controlled and utilized in time, they will become ineffective branches that affect light. After summer pinching, it promotes the formation of medium and short branches, which can be trained into compact fruiting branch groups in one growing season, and the effect of pinching is significant.
2. Extension branches of young trees:
In the juvenile stage, the growth of apple trees is relatively large, and the extension branches can grow up to about 1 meter in one growing season. At this time, pinching can be used to promote secondary branches for shaping, accelerate the formation of the crown, and increase the number of branches in the whole tree. The extension branches are usually pinched in mid-June, with a retained length of 40 centimeters, and the pinching of extension branches generally needs to be done every other year.
3. Pinching the fruiting branches:
When the fruiting branches of the apple tree grow to 10-15 centimeters, pinching can increase the number of branches, make the branches more compact, and also play a role in suppressing fruit drop.
Precautions for Pinching the Tips of Apple Tree
The method of using pinching to treat apple trees has a significant effect and is simple, easy to do, and does not require high-level techniques. However, it is necessary to master the appropriate timing, otherwise there will be no effect. Pinching too early will cause the second batch of branches to continue growing strongly, failing to achieve the true inhibitory effect on growth. If pinching is too late, it will not promote more secondary branches.
Fertilization: After pinching the apple tree, generally apply organic-inorganic compound fertilizer or a combination of organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer. It is recommended not to use manure, especially unfermented manure, which contains many germs and pests.
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