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Techniques and rules for the first post-planting pruning of fruit trees

For gardeners

2 min read

The first post-planting pruning determines the development of the fruit tree for years to come. The main task of the agronomist during this period is to correct development defects of the nursery plant acquired in the nursery. It is also important to compensate for the inevitable damage to the root system and branches after digging, transportation, and planting. A correctly performed operation ensures the dominant position of the central leader and balanced development of skeletal branches with minimal removal of healthy shoots.

  • Number of skeletal branches — 2–3 pcs.
  • Leader height above branches (pyramidal canopy) — 20–25 cm
  • Leader height above branches (spreading canopy) — 10–15 cm
Рис. 195. Первая послепосадочная обрезка:
Fig. 195. First post-planting pruning: competitors (a) are removed; overly long branches (b) are shortened; branches not part of the canopy framework (c) are bent to a drooping position; the leader in trees with a pyramidal canopy (d) is left 20–25 cm above the ends of the main branches, in trees with a spreading canopy (e) – 10–15 cm above.

Technique for canopy formation and branch subordination

When working with well-developed nursery plants that have a distinct central leader and strong lateral growth, strict rules of subordination must be followed. Branches that grow vertically or have significant thickness at the base are always pruned more severely than the others. This is necessary to balance their growth vigor with other parts of the canopy and prevent them from suppressing the leader.

  1. Select 2–3 of the strongest existing branches to serve as the main (skeletal) ones.
  2. Balance their growth vigor through pruning or by changing their inclination angle.
  3. Subordinate the selected main branches to the central leader, maintaining the necessary cut height.
  4. Completely remove competitor branches of the leader by cutting them "to the ring".
  5. Bend all other branches that are not part of the canopy framework into a horizontal or drooping position.

Avoid critical errors during branch subordination: cutting branches at the same level weakens the leader, excessive leader height exposes the trunk, and unequal branch quality or excessively short pruning disrupts the balanced development of the tree.

Рис. 196. Правильное соподчинение ветвей и подчинение их проводнику (1); ошибки в формировании: 2 – срезы на одном уровне, 3 – проводник слишком высок, 4 – ветви неравноценны, 5 – очень короткая подрезка.
Fig. 196. Correct branch subordination and their submission to the leader (1); formation errors: 2 – cuts at the same level, 3 – leader too high, 4 – branches are unequal, 5 – very short pruning.
Рис. 197. Более толстые ветви (а) и более приподнято растущие (б) обрезают сильнее.
Fig. 197. Thicker branches (a) and those growing more upright (b) are pruned more severely.

The degree to which the central leader exceeds the skeletal branches depends on the biological characteristics of the specific cultivar. During pruning, it is important to strictly observe these parameters to avoid canopy deformation in the future. To determine the optimal cut height, use the standards provided below.

Canopy type Leader height above main branches
Cultivars with drooping growth 10–15 cm
Cultivars with pyramidal growth 20–25 cm

The timing of pruning depends on the moisture availability of the zone. In conditions of insufficient moisture, pruning is carried out in the year of planting (in spring) or in the spring of the following year if the nursery plants were planted in the autumn. With sufficient rainfall, the first post-planting pruning is performed one year after planting.

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