To improve the lighting conditions in apple trees, it's essential to carefully manage their structure and shape through pruning. By trimming, you can increase the light intensity per unit area and expand the leaf surface area. However, this should be done without making the tree too tall or the crown too wide. The height of the tree should not exceed the row spacing, and the crown diameter should remain within the same limit to prevent shading between trees. This ensures that the tree canopy remains well-lit and allows for better photosynthesis and fruit development.
Another key aspect is opening up the angles of the main branches and controlling the growth of back branches. The angle of the main branches should be opened to around 70 degrees, while side branches should have an angle of about 80 degrees. In a non-branched, spindle-shaped apple tree, the main branches should be pruned to 70-90 degrees, and the auxiliary branches should be opened to 90 degrees. This helps in distributing light more evenly and promoting balanced growth.
Adjusting the proportion of different types of branches is also important. During pruning, the balance between long, medium, and short branches should be maintained. Trees with weak growth, long branches, and few lateral shoots should be given multiple short cuts to encourage more branching. On the other hand, trees with strong growth and long branches should be pruned gently to increase the number of medium and short branches. Ideally, long branches should make up 5-8% of the total, medium branches 10-30%, and short branches and leafy twigs should account for 50-60%. This balance promotes better fruiting and overall tree health.
Proper branch distribution is crucial for maximizing light penetration. A well-structured canopy allows for even light distribution between the main branches and the outer layers. Back branches on the main limbs should be replaced with slanted ones, while side branches should be developed on the sides. Creating a wavy canopy structure helps utilize light between the layers more effectively. Most of the outer edge of the crown should consist of medium and small branches, ensuring that all parts of the tree receive adequate sunlight.
Finally, when it comes to branch pruning, it’s important not to rush into cutting unless necessary. If the branches are still young and vigorous, avoid heavy pruning. Instead, focus on thinning out the weaker branches while retaining those that are healthy and productive. For stronger-growing branches, use a combination of cutting and releasing techniques, gradually updating them over time. The ideal ratio of vegetative shoots to fruiting shoots in a shoot group should be around 3:1, which supports both growth and fruit production.
By following these pruning strategies, apple trees can achieve better light exposure, balanced growth, and higher yields.
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