Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ABOVE:
C) Heading cuts
are made during the dormant season and in-
volve removing one-third to one-halfof each new fruiting shoot.
Thinning Cuts
Use thinning cuts to remove weak and drooping wood. This practice is com-
mon to all of the pruning systems described in this topic and is essential in
maintaining open canopies that allow good air movement and light penetra-
tion. Maintaining high light penetration is important with the vigorous root-
stocks to encourage new shoot development low in the tree as part of reg-
ular fruiting branch replacement. Also thin out leaders and lateral branches
in the tops of the trees to allow light penetration. For vigorous cherry root-
stocks, thinning also removes wood that is most likely to produce small
fruits. Follow the practices described earlier in this chapter.
