Decisive phase

What pruning is necessary now

Apple and pear trees should be pruned in January and February.(Bild: Plantura)

Many garden lovers are eagerly awaiting spring and the start of the gardening season. But there is already a lot of work to be done in the garden. This is especially true for fruit trees, which should be pruned in the first few months of the year to ensure a rich yield.

Fruit trees require annual pruning. This is because thinning out the trees promotes fruit formation. Most fruit trees should therefore be pruned in the winter months of February to March (before the buds sprout). Poorly cared for or ageing fruit trees that only produce a small yield should also be brought back into shape with so-called "rejuvenation pruning". This should be carried out in January.

Here the pruning on the branch ring was carried out correctly.(Bild: Plantura)

Tree expert gives tips
Thomas Rutnig from Klagenfurt is someone who knows trees inside out. The farmer prunes 800 trees a year. "There are countless rules. Among other things, apple and pear trees should be pruned now." Thinning out pear trees is particularly important because they bear best on fresh branches.

The right tools also play a crucial role in pruning. "Using the wrong tools can cause considerable damage to the trees and the trees could even die," explains Rutnig.

However, fruit trees should not be pruned in sub-zero temperatures. Otherwise there is a risk of damage to the tree.

Thomas Rutnig, Baumkenner und Landwirt

Pay attention to temperatures when pruning

Other fruit trees, such as cherries or plums, should be pruned in February and March. And just as with apple and pear trees, temperatures play a key role here too. Pruning should be carried out on a frost-free day. This is because frozen cuts splinter easily, making it more difficult for the trees to heal. "Only hard woody plants are suitable for this. These include wild shrubs such as hazelnut, willow and elderberry," explains tree pruner Horst Sadjina to "Kärntner Krone".

Other plants are pruned in the fall
While fruit trees should be pruned in the first few months of the year, ornamental shrubs (e.g. roses), berry bushes (blackberries, currants, gooseberries), ornamental trees and hedges should be pruned in October.

The aim of tree care and pruning is to preserve the life of the plants into old age. Shaping and pruning ensure that the tree not only looks more beautiful and grows healthier, but also bears more fruit.