Formative Prunning
Services
Autumn/Winter
Time Of Year
Year
2020/2021
Minor pruning during the early years of a trees growth to establish the desired form and/or to correct defects or weaknesses that may affect structure in later life. Formative pruning is the process of shaping a tree when it is young. Every variety has a different natural growth habit, but unpruned fruit trees will for the most part produce a crown cluttered with branches so yielding smaller, lower quality fruit.
Formative Pruning
PRUNING
While many trees will naturally form their adult shape as they grow, others need a little assistance to create a clear trunk and a well-spaced canopy of branches. It is wise to keep an eye on young trees and carry out formative pruning as required. This technique is suitable for young trees, from one-year-old until their formative pruning is completed after about four to five years. Most trees sold in garden centres will already be at least partially trained.
Pruning of deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter) is often best carried out in winter, as it is easier to see the branch structure.
Pruning of evergreen trees is often carried out in April, as they come into growth.
Exceptions to these rules include tender deciduous trees, best pruned in spring, once the risk of frost has passed, and also stone fruit trees (cherries, flowering cherries, apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines). These can be pruned in winter while young, but are later best pruned in summer. They can be at risk of catching the diseases silver leaf and bacterial canker if large branches, those thicker than your wrist, are pruned in autumn or winter.
All Projects
FORMATIVE PRUNING
The purpose of formative tree pruning is to assist and train a young tree to develop into a stronger and well- shaped tree. While many trees will naturally form their adult shape as they grow, others need a little assistance to create a clear trunk and a well-spaced canopy of branches. Formative tree pruning and trimming with selective branch removal can greatly improve the structure and health of the tree as it ensures strong branch attachments and a balanced crown formation. Formative pruning is essential for fruit bearing trees as a balanced shape with strong branches is better able to support heavy crops. The amount of tree pruning will vary according to the variety and rootstock of the fruit tree but, generally, some level of formative pruning should be applied to all fruit trees from one year old and continued for four to five years. It is usually best pruning deciduous trees during winter, as it is easier to see the branch structure. Tree trimming of evergreens is often carried out in April, as their spring regrowth begins. However, there are exceptions to these rules and a professional tree surgeon will be able to advise on the most suitable season and both the amount and method of tree pruning for your species.