Home Gardener's Pruning (UK Only). David Squire
Чтение книги онлайн.
Читать онлайн книгу Home Gardener's Pruning (UK Only) - David Squire страница 6
Название: Home Gardener's Pruning (UK Only)
Автор: David Squire
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Сад и Огород
Серия: Specialist Guide
isbn: 9781607652434
isbn:
When a large branch needs to be removed, cut it off in short sections (see opposite page).
Fruit trees
Neglected apple and pear trees have masses of crossing branches and undersized fruits. Also, the tree is probably riddled with pests and diseases. Cut out cankered branches. There is then a judgement to make as to whether the amount of the tree that remains is worth saving; remember that renovation will take several years.
If the tree is worth keeping, during the first dormant season cut out all dead and diseased wood, as well as congested branches and shoots at the tree’s center. During the following year, cut back any excessively old branches, and in the following dormant season start pruning the smaller shoots. Feed the tree around its base.
Fruit bushes
Black currant
These are shorter-lived than fruit trees and therefore decisions about their removal are easier. If a bush cannot be renovated and restored to bearing fruits within two years, it is better to dig it up and plant a young, healthy bush. Black currants can be completely cut down to soil level; it will be a year or so later that they bear fruits.
Both red and white currants grow on a short “leg,” 6–8 in (15–20 cm) long, and renovation will take slightly longer. During the first year, cut out dead, crossing and old wood. In the second year, attempt to rebuild a spur system that will bear fruits.
Fruit canes
Cane fruits that have become masses of tangled, old stems can be cut right down to ground level in late winter. Summer-fruiting raspberries and hybrid berries will bear fruits about 18 months later, on two-year-old canes. However, autumn-fruiting raspberries will bear fruits later the same summer, on one-year-old canes.
For all cane fruit regeneration, feed the plants in spring and regularly water the soil.
Rose bushes
If neglected, Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses become overgrown with suckers and congested, old wood. Each sucker is best removed by tracing the stem back to the roots and pulling it off. Do not cut it off. Rejuvenation basically involves encouraging the development of young, new shoots from the plant’s base. If badly neglected, cut out half of the old and thick stems to their base during spring; in the following year, cut out the rest. During each of these two years, cut out the stems evenly from around the plant, not just from one side.
CUTTING OFF LARGE BRANCHES
It is essential that large branches are cut off in small pieces, rather than all at once. If cut off in one piece, there is the risk of the trunk being damaged by the branch, when partly cut, falling and tearing the bark. Cut back the branch in several stages until about 18 in (45 cm) from the trunk. Be sure to leave the branch collar when pruning. The branch collar is the slight swelling around the base of the branch. Cutting a branch off flush with the trunk will remove much of the collar, and the collar is what grows to cover the pruning cut.
1 Use a sharp saw to cut the underside of the branch, half to two-thirds of the way through it.
2 From the top side, cut through the remaining part of the branch. Hold the branch.
Equipment you will need
Strong pruning shears that make clean cuts are essential for pruning shrubs, roses and thin stems on trees, fruit bushes and canes. For branches and thick stems, however, saws are essential. Long-handled pruning shears, sometimes known as loppers, are ideal for cutting thick stems, especially those at the center of a dense, prickly shrub. Hedges need sharp garden shears, or power hedge trimmers if the hedge is large. Always use power tools with great care.
How much equipment will I need?
Safety with chainsaws
When cutting off a large branch or cutting down a tree, chainsaws are invaluable – but take extreme care when using them.
• Keep children and domestic pets indoors.
• Do not use during wet weather.
• If electrical, use a power-breaker in the circuit to ensure safety if the cable is cut.
• Wear goggles, strong gloves and a jacket.
• Do not wear a scarf or necktie.
• Have an assistant with you.
• Do not stand on a box or ladder.
• Do not use above waist height.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Pruning shears
These are available in two basic forms. The bypass type (also known as parrot or cross-over) has a scissor-like action and cuts when one blade passes the other. The anvil type has a sharp blade that cuts when in contact with a firm, metal surface known as an anvil. Both cut well, but must not be strained in cutting thick shoots.
For general pruning
Bypass pruning shears
Anvil pruning shears
RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED?