PRUNING FRUIT TREES |
You really don't have to be an expert to prune fruit trees! All it takes is a little common sense and a few helpful hints. As a rule of thumb, I place fruit trees in three different pruning categories: the 'open centre', the 'central leader' and the 'espalier' form. Apples, pears and plums should have their centres opened up to allow more sun and air to penetrate. This technique is called 'open-vase' pruning, and it allows fruit to develop on the inside of the tree, on the tips and on the outward growing branches. For this type of pruning, simply choose to retain three to five dominate branches radiating out from the main stem. These branches should be five or six feet off the ground, allowing you to comfortably walk or work under the tree without hitting your head. Once you have determined which branches you are going to keep, cut out any other branches left in the centre, as well as any inward growing ones. Next, cut out all the upward growing branches, leaving the tree looking like a 'Y'. The remaining branches should be pruned back each year at two foot intervals, keeping this 'Y' formation intact.
A heavy pruning each year, unfortunately, results in a mass of water sprouts shooting out in all directions. To minimize this problem, once you have developed the tree's 'open-vase' shape, you should switch to a training program rather than a pruning program. Training simply means weighing down the branches with soil-filled plastic bags to encourage growth in a horizontal ... Read More Click Here |
For the birds, the best ways to feed them |
When it gets cold and snowy, many of us try to help our local birds by hanging a feeder somewhere in the yard and filling it with whatever bird seed we can find. It's a nice gesture, but if you are serious about attracting birds to your garden, there is a little more to it. Many fine books are available on the subject of attracting and feeding birds, and there is fairly reliable information on the internet. This information will give you a broader perspective on the value of having birds around your home and some of their special needs.
Cleanliness and consistency are Iwo of the most important, necessities of a feeding station. Mouldy, spoiled food can be dangerous to birds, and excess food spilled on the ground will attract rodents. Keep your feeders clean all year round, and only put out enough food to last a few days, then refill. It is also a good idea to rake the ground below the feeder, and clean up any spilled fo... Read More Click Here |
