Jujube tree trimming beneficial to increase production
The initial stage of tree development is characterized by a canopy that has not yet fully formed. The jujube trees are still in a phase of vigorous vegetative growth, but their fruit production is steadily increasing each year. During this period, pruning should follow the principles of being sparse, retractive, and short-cutting, with an emphasis on cultivation. The key guiding principle is the "Four to Keep and Five to Remove" approach.
The "Four to Keep" refers to retaining the outer jujube shoots, the main backbone branches, strong and promising shoots, and those with many secondary branches that have the potential to bear fruit. This helps in gradually expanding the canopy and ensuring sustained productivity over time. On the other hand, the "Five to Remove" includes drooping or weak branches, slender or overlapping branches, pest-infested or dead branches, leggy and unproductive shoots, as well as crossing or round branches that do not contribute to the tree's structure. Any jujube shoot that fails to produce new growth for three years or more should also be removed. For bare or unproductive branches, gradual retraction and renewal are recommended to restore vitality.
In the full fruiting stage, the canopy is well-established, and the tree's growth potential has slowed down. The crown becomes more stable, and the tree focuses on fruit production. As the season progresses, the terminal buds begin to bend and cross, while internal branches start to wither. The fruiting sites gradually shift outward. To maintain productivity, pruning should focus on opening up light pathways, thinning out dense areas, and encouraging the growth of inner branches. It's important to renew and cultivate the fruit-bearing clusters to prevent the internal branches from dying and the fruiting sites from moving too far outward.
For aging jujube trees, the goal of pruning is to rejuvenate and extend the life of the tree. The pruning method should be adjusted based on the tree's overall vigor. Trees that are just beginning to decline can be fully pruned back during winter shearing. Branches that are weak or unproductive should be thinned out from the base. Other older branches should be reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 in length to concentrate nutrients and encourage new growth. Since jujube branches tend to be soft and prone to drooping, pendulous branches should be retracted to raise their angle and improve their growth potential. The extent of retraction depends on the branch's position and structure—typically 1/3 to 2/5 of the branch length.
For younger branches (1–3 years old) within the canopy, middle and small branches should be cultivated based on available space and the number of secondary branches. For trees where most of the branches are dead and the main branches are showing signs of senescence, a more aggressive pruning strategy is needed. The entire framework of the tree, including the central trunk, should be retracted by 1/3 to 1/2 of its original length. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the diameter of the cut does not exceed 5 cm to avoid damaging the tree.
After pruning, old trees need to reduce their fruit load, increase fertilizer application, and improve irrigation to promote healthy vegetative growth and speed up rejuvenation. Regular and thorough pruning is essential to maintain the effectiveness of the process. Partial branch renewal often yields limited results, so a comprehensive approach is usually necessary for long-term success.
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