Can pomegranate trees be pruned in winter? When is the best time to prune pomegranate trees?

Pomegranate trees are very common in life. Because they symbolize fertility, prosperity and development, many people like to plant them at home. So can pomegranate trees be pruned in winter? When is the right time to prune a pomegranate tree? The following editor will explain them one by one, hoping to help you.

Can pomegranate trees be pruned in winter?

After planting pomegranate trees, farmers will choose traditional pruning methods. Pruning in winter causes the pomegranate trees to grow rapidly and vigorously, with fewer and fewer flowers and fruits. Moreover, if the trees are too lush, it will affect the permeability, and the photosynthesis of the whole tree will be restricted. In the process of fruit tree growth, some unnecessary nutrients will be consumed, and the growth state of the whole tree will become worse and worse. The editor recommends that you should prune all year round, especially in summer when we need to prune more frequently.

When is the right time to prune a pomegranate tree?

Summer pruning

1. Ring-barking method: It is mainly used for strong branches on young pomegranate trees. In mid-to-early June, select the smooth part of the strong branches and ring-bark with a width of 0.3 cm. It can significantly promote the differentiation and formation of flower buds and increase the fruit setting rate.

2. Pinching method: pinch off the top 5 cm of the pomegranate tree during its flowering period, or pinch off 1/3 of the shoot length when the new shoot grows to 30-40 cm. This can promote flower bud differentiation and fruit development, and increase the fruit setting rate.

3. Sprouting removal method: Generally, new branches that sprout below 50 cm from the main trunk to the ground will be cut off in July and August to facilitate the growth of the upper part of the trunk and reduce nutrient loss.

Fall Pruning

Thinning method: Continue to cut off dense, leggy, diseased and insect-infested sprouts and suckers. After thinning, the light spots under the crown should be evenly distributed on the ground, and it is appropriate to occupy 10% to 15% of the total crown projection area. Ensure that the fruit is directly exposed to light, so that the inner leaf branches and short branches can see sufficient light and form flower buds quickly. Deep bury or burn the cut diseased and insect-infested fruit branches.

What to pay attention to when pruning pomegranate trees

1. Pomegranate trees are particularly sensitive to pruning. Improper pruning will cause the tree to grow excessively and too tall. Be sure not to use pruning too much.

2. The tree shape should be a natural open-heart shape. Do not leave too many branches inside the tree. If the branches are too dense, the light will be poor and the tree will be easily blocked, which will lead to serious diseases and insect pests.

3. When pruning, except for the short cut of the main extension branches, other branches should not be cut, and the dense branches and diseased and insect-infested branches in the inner part should be thinned out as soon as possible.

4. In summer, pruning is mainly done by thinning out overcrowded branches, combined with branch kneading and opening the angles of the main branches to enhance light exposure to the tree and promote flower bud differentiation.

5. Winter pruning: After the leaves of the tree fall, cut off the upright and strong branches on the main branches, as well as all diseased and insect-infested branches. Trees over three years old do not need to be pruned, and a slow growth process is recommended.