Tree pruning course for half and standard fruit trees (summer)
With more than 5.000 animal and plant species, meadow orchards are among the most species-rich habitats in Central Europe. But in order for fruit trees to remain healthy and bear a rich harvest, proper care is important.
There are 10 seasons in the phenological calendar, which are based on the observation of annually recurring natural phenomena such as the beginning of flowering or the fall of leaves in plants, but also on the behavior of animals. Each of these seasons is indicated by plants typical of it and is strongly dependent on the annual and regionally different development of nature. For example, early spring begins with the snowdrops, full spring with the apple blossom and late autumn when the oak leaves show themselves in a blaze of colour.
Pruning promotes the yield and health of the tree
Flowering meadows under old, gnarled trees. This sight not only makes some of us hearts beat faster, but also the animal and plant world enjoys the meadow orchards. They offer important habitat, necessary food diversity and are relevant for rare animal species due to their extensive use. For example, meadow orchards form a small-scale mosaic of habitats. Detached trees cast mostly irregular patterns of light and shadow on the meadow, causing different types of grass and flowers to grow, which affect the soil conditions.
The tree population is also rarely uniform. Fruit trees with different fruit trees alternate with shrubs and hedges. This variety of small habitats usually offers neither forest nor farmland. In addition to meadow orchards, there is only variety along natural streams or in the mountains. A large number of insects and small mammals enjoy leftover fruit in autumn. In many places, the preservation and protection of old meadow orchards and the maintenance of new orchards is an important part of nature conservation.
The right fruit tree pruning needs to be learned. Proper pruning improves growth, regulates yield and strengthens the health of the tree. With a passion for an easy-to-learn, natural pruning of fruit trees, master gardener Franz Hönegger passed on his practical knowledge in our pruning course. In July 2021, together with our farmers, we dealt with important topics relating to fruit tree care under his expert guidance:
- professional planting of a tree with functioning vole and sweep protection
- the most important basics for a fruit tree pruning - such as growth and pruning laws are taught in a practical way
- Using on-site examples, planting and training pruning are conveyed in a comprehensible and comprehensible manner
- the benefits and importance of an orchard for people and nature
