Many plants benefit from pruning, but The most important thing is to do it at the right time on all fruit trees. Winter is a good time because the plants are inactive and the objective of doing so is to encourage their vigor so that they are more productive and do not overgrow their space.
However, not all plants benefit from pruning in winter, as some prefer to be pruned at other times of the year.
Some plants need pruning in spring, while others are best left for summer or fall. In this article we are going to dedicate ourselves to investigating what type of plants benefit from pruning in winter.
There are several types that benefit greatly from this practice. Here are some examples.
Winter pruning for deciduous trees
Deciduous trees and shrubs, which lose their leaves during the winter, are ideal candidates for winter pruning. This includes varieties such as maple, oak, birch and dogwood. Pruning during the dormant season helps encourage healthy growth in spring and improves its overall appearance.
Fruit tree pruning
Pruning fruit trees during winter promotes adequate fruit production, maintains the size of the tree and improves its overall health.
Popular fruit trees that benefit from winter pruning include apple, pear, cherry and peach. It is important to follow specific pruning guidelines for each type of fruit tree to optimize its performance.
Pruning rose bushes
The rose bushes They require regular pruning for their overall well-being. Pruning in winter helps Removing dead or diseased branches improves air circulation and promotes robust flower production in the following season.
Popular varieties of roses, such as hybrid, floribunda and climbing roses, benefit from winter pruning.
Vines
The vine is a deciduous woody plant that bleeds when pruning if the stems bleed, at which point it can weaken the plant.
That's why it's important to prune them in mid-winter when they're totally dormant.
Other plants to which the same bleeding procedure occurs when pruned are birches and figs. They must be pruned in December or January by trimming the main rod or the branch that is extended vertically.
Wisteria
It is a plant that needs you to prune twice a year, in December and again in the summer. That way you can keep it under control and properly promote flowering.
Let's keep in mind that in the winter you have to prune the side shoots until you can obtain three or four buds. After summer flowering occurs, It is important to cut all shoots to 30 cm.
How to prune plants in winter
Proper techniques are crucial to successfully pruning plants in winter. Follow these guidelines for a productive pruning session:
Gather the right tools: Before you begin your pruning project, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand.
This may include sharp pruning shears, loppers, hand saws, and protective gloves. Keeping tools clean and sharp helps prevent the spread of disease and guarantees clean cuts.
Evaluate the condition of the plant: Carefully inspect the plant, identifying any dead, damaged or diseased branches.
These should be the first to be pruned, as they hinder the growth of the plant and They can become a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Additionally, evaluate the shape and size of the plant to determine if it requires any corrective pruning.
Make pruning cuts correctly: When making cuts, it is essential to do so at the correct angle and location.
Be sure to cut just above a shoot or side branch, as this encourages new growth. Avoid leaving stumps or cutting too close to the shoot, as this can cause damage or inhibit regrowth.
Get rid of excess pruning material: After pruning, collect and properly dispose of pruned branches. If any material shows signs of disease or infestation, it is advisable to burn it or dispose of it away from the garden to avoid further contamination.
Tips for pruning properly
- A very important tip To perform pruning in winter is to do it on a warm and dry day, after the first frost, but before winter fully arrives.
- It is essential to note that Freshly pruned branches can be severely damaged if the weather is extremely cold.
- For this reason, it is best to prune on a warm day. so they can recover before the intense cold that come to freeze them.
- First of all, you have to prune dead or diseased branches and little by little you remove the lower branches.
- Then You can remove branches that have grown too much in the crown, but you must keep the branch that maintains the structure of the tree.
Benefits of pruning in winter
Pruning in winter offers several advantages for both the plants and the garden as a whole. Here are some key benefits;
Promotes plant health
Pruning during winter helps shape and control the size of plants, ensuring they do not grow beyond their designated space. A tidy, aesthetically pleasing garden bed can be achieved through proper winter pruning.
Promotes the production of fruits and flowers
Pruning fruit trees and flowering plants in winter It stimulates the growth of new branches and promotes abundant production of fruits and flowers. Helps maximize yield and enhances the visual appeal of the garden.
Prevents pest and disease problems
Removing dead or diseased wood during the winter eliminates potential breeding grounds for pests and diseases. Pruning also improves air circulation, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections in plants.
Establish a better branch structure
Winter pruning allows you to create a strong branch structure in trees and shrubs. By selectively removing branches, proper distribution of the plant's energy is encouraged, resulting in healthier, more resilient growth.
Finally, the winter season offers an excellent opportunity to prune certain plants such as: deciduous trees and shrubs, fruit trees and rose bushes, among others.
By following proper winter pruning techniques you can maintain plant health, control their size and shape, encourage fruit and flower production, prevent pest and disease problems, and establish a better branch structure.
By spending time pruning, you can ensure that your plants thrive and flower in the next growing season.