The Art And Science Of Pruning, Lesson 3

Step 1: Pruning helps fruit development:

In the last lesson we removed two branches that were coming off the trunk at the wrong angle. Now we will tackle the all important detail pruning. This pruning is important because it establishes wood that will support our fruit.

The area circled is a prime area for fruit development. This is where intelligent pruning cuts will increase fruit production. Further in there won't be enough light. This view is from above looking down on a leader of scaffold branch and it shows that the best wood for holding our fruit should be developed on the sides of the branch.

Step 2: Explanation:

There are two reasons for this. First, the sap flow along the side of the leader has been shown to produce more fruit. Second of all wood that comes up from the leader, towards us in this photo, will be shading the growth below it. And wood going down, down below the leader, away from us in this picture, will be shaded by the growth above.

Step 3: Encourage secondary laterals

As the tree develops we can encourage secondary laterals off of the original laterals. We should visualize how we can fill up as much area as possible with developing flowers, fruit and leaves. Again, the secondary lateral should come off the sides of the original laterals, not up or not down. And the secondary laterals should be kept considerably shorter than our original laterals.

Step 4: Thanks for watching:

Thanks for watching this video and we'll see you in the next lesson.