If you have just entered the tree growing world, you have no doubt heard the term “pruning” tossed around by the more veteran growers. Well, I have something to admit. For several years, I did not even know what pruning was. I heard the term a lot, but I never felt comfortable asking someone what exactly it was. Even though it would have benefited my gardening and tree growing, I was too prideful to ask. I’ve found that pride is the reason for the failure of many great endeavors; if I had just asked someone what pruning was, I wouldn’t have undergone a few of the disasters that occurred during my first years of gardening.

Pruning is the removal of dead or unneeded branches to encourage the growth of flowers. Usually a tree will end up devoting energy to branches that don’t need it, while neglecting branches which are bearing more fruit. If you remove the branches that are taking all the nutrients, you will begin to see a flourish in the other ones. Pruning also keeps the tree in shape by keeping the branches even. This prevents it from becoming weighed down on one side. Having too many branches on one side could cause the tree to become permanently crooked.

Many gardeners don’t even think about pruning their trees until they start to bear fruit. This is a big mistake, and you should never neglect to care for a tree just because it hasn’t yet begun to produce. During the entire process of growth, you should prune the tree in a way that it is even and uniform. Then, when it does start to produce fruit, the results will be significantly greater. It is very easy to tell the difference between a tree that has been pruned regularly during its growth, and one that has been neglected. Generally the shape of the tree is much more natural looking if it has been pruned.

The first thing to look for when you start pruning is any branches which are dead or diseased. These are quite easy to recognize. Usually they don’t bear any fruit, and might be misshapen or discolored. Don’t hesitate at all in chopping these guys off, as they are nothing but detrimental to the health of your tree. Sometimes a branch can be dead or diseased without making it too obvious. If this is the case, simply wait until the tree is flowering and it will become obvious by not growing anything.

The second type of branch to look for is the branch that is too close in range to all the other ones. If it grows at such a length and angle that the end is right next to all the other branches, they might end up crowding each other out. Take off the smaller of the two branches to allow the larger one to have the breathing room that it needs. This same rule applies to the weight balance of your tree. Sometimes, for reasons we will never understand, a tree will grow several branches on one side and weigh itself into being lopsided.

So hopefully I have provided you with a basic knowledge of pruning. There are more situations and types of branches that require pruning, but what I’ve outlined is the very basic parts. These can alter depending on how old your tree is. For example, for the first 3 years of a tree’s growth it requires pruning that follows more “formative” guidelines. After the tree is well established, you will need to use “regulatory” pruning to keep it where you would like it to be. There are entire books written on how to prune trees depending on how old they are. There are far too many techniques for me to go over, so if you want to use these advanced techniques then you should go to your local library and check out a book.
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Rumford Gardener GPT3000 2 GardenPro Tools Gloves And Soap Set
 

Rumford Gardener GPT3000 2 GardenPro Tools Gloves And Soap Set

$38.35  $29.50

This great garden tool gift set comes complete with a cultivator and trowel. It also includes a pair of cotton gardening gloves and gardeners soap made from pumice vitamins and vegetable matter. Professional grade gardener s gift set with trowel and cultivator Sturdy trowel and cultivator Includes garden gloves and soap

The Rumford Gardener WCS2500 3pc Polished Aluminum Garden Tool Set
 

The Rumford Gardener WCS2500 3pc Polished Aluminum Garden Tool Set

$35.75  $27.50

Our deluxe 3piece Ascot aluminum tool set is a great starter set or addition to any gardener s collection. The trowel transplanter and cultivator each feature a lightweight balanced design that provides strength as well as a comfort grip and thumb rest. Packaged in a full color gift box. Rumford Green handles. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable.

The Rumford Gardener RKH4S Kids 3pc Plastic Tool Set with Holster
 

The Rumford Gardener RKH4S Kids 3pc Plastic Tool Set with Holster

$23.73  $18.25

Colorful kids plastic trowel fork and cultivator are the perfect size for little hands. Includes a holster with leater belt loop for carrying the tools in style. Get the whole family gardening with kids tools from The Rumford Gardener. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable.

The Rumford Gardener PP1500 GardenTuff 3pc PolyGlass Tool Set
 

The Rumford Gardener PP1500 GardenTuff 3pc PolyGlass Tool Set

$27.95  $21.50

GardenTuff tools are made from a proprietary polyglass resin that posses an incredible strength to weight ratio. Along with superior strength the lightweight design includes the patented ergonomic comfortgrip handle for hours of fatiguefree gardening. The GardenTuff trowel is perfect for light to medium digging while the cultivator will break up and prepare soil for planting. Use the transplanter to carefully remove plants from soil for replanting. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable.

The Rumford Gardener GPT1004 2in1 Digging Tool
 

The Rumford Gardener GPT1004 2in1 Digging Tool

$30.38  $22.50

Carry a trowel and cultivator together in one aluminum tool with comfort handle. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable. Limited lifetime warranty on tools 5year limited warranty on tote

Rumford Gardener RK1017 Butterfly Kneeler With 2 Tools
 

Rumford Gardener RK1017 Butterfly Kneeler With 2 Tools

$24.05  $18.50

The Rumford gardener butterfly kneeler is a colorful and fun little helper that can help your children enjoy garden work. This set includes a fun butterflydesign knee pad and two colorful gardening tools with wood handles. Designed to keep little knees comfortable the foam kneelers will keep your child s knees protected as they have fun in the garden and the two safe handgardening tools will keep them digging in the garden for hours.

The Rumford Gardener RK1020 Kids Long Handled Tool Set 3Piece
 

The Rumford Gardener RK1020 Kids Long Handled Tool Set 3Piece

$37.13  $27.50

Three tools sized just for kids. Rake spade and hoe feature colorful kidsafe powder coated metal heads and hardwood handles. About 44 long. Get the whole family gardening with kids tools from The Rumford Gardener. Limited lifetime warranty

Lewis Lifetime Tools Bulb Garden Planter BPL6
 

Lewis Lifetime Tools Bulb Garden Planter BPL6

$47.86  $35.45

Bulb and garden planter. Easy twisting action makes a perfect hole for bulbs and bedding plants. Long handle prevents bending so you can plant while standing. 37 x 10 x 5. Length: 37. Width: 5. Height: 10

IMAX 40892 Set of 2 VintageStyle Distressed Garden Tool Equipment Baskets
 

IMAX 40892 Set of 2 VintageStyle Distressed Garden Tool Equipment Baskets

$137.05  $105.42

Set of 2 Garden Baskets. Item #40892Vintagestyle green distressed tool and equipment baskets each feature the word GARDEN and a stylish handleDimensions of each basket:. Small: 10 H x 11 W x 5 D. Large: 12 H x 13 W x 5 DMaterial(s): wrought iron

Lewis Lifetime Tools Garden Kneeler GKS2
 

Lewis Lifetime Tools Garden Kneeler GKS2

$46.96  $36.12

No more stooping bending or sore knees. The Garden Kneeler converts from a comfortable bench for sitting to a cushioned kneeler by simply flipping it over. Sturdy handles provide leverage for standing up. Folds neatly for storage and easy portability. 24 x 11 x 5. Length: 24. Width: 5. Height: 11

Cedar Creek 3020 Garden Tool Holder
 

Cedar Creek 3020 Garden Tool Holder

$70.20  $54.00

Cedar Creek Illinois Inc strives to create beautiful furniture to be used outside or inside. Their wood products are made of Western Red Cedar which resists insect attack rot and weathering extremely well. These tool holders have storage space for 12 long handled tools. They are ideal for the garden shed or garage. Product Dimensions 19 x 20.5 x 30 inches.

Truper Tools 995103 4 Tine Cultivator for Garden Work
 

Truper Tools 995103 4 Tine Cultivator for Garden Work

$30.46  $23.43

4 Tine Cultivator. Truper For Garden Work. Made from the finest materials. Functionality that is Unbeatable. Satisfaction ensured.

Ames Real Tools For Kids Garden Hoe KHM
 

Ames Real Tools For Kids Garden Hoe KHM

$29.89  $22.14

Garden hoe. Real Tools For Kids series. Tool head and handle are kid sized for comfort and ease of use. Lacquered hardwood handle won t splinter. Sturdy steel head is kid tough. 4.50 x 3 head size. 42 handle. Length: 44.25. Width: 4. Height: 4.5

The Rumford Gardener RG3200 3Piece GardenTuff Tool Set with Tool Wrap
 

The Rumford Gardener RG3200 3Piece GardenTuff Tool Set with Tool Wrap

$32.40  $24.00

GardenTuff tools are made from a proprietary polyglass resin that has a high strength to weight ratio. Along with superior strength the lightweight design includes a patented ergonomic comfortgrip handle for hours of fatiguefree gardening. The GardenTuff trowel is perfect for light to medium digging while the cultivator will break up and prepare soil for planting. Use the transplanter to carefully remove plants from soil for replanting. The included canvas tool wrap with 6 pockets provides easy hanging storage for the GardenTuff tools and others.

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