Essential Pruning for a Healthy Food Forest: Managing Unwanted Tree Growth

In any healthy tree, various types of unwanted growth can occur that can sap the tree’s energy or create structural problems. When pruning fruit and nut trees, it’s important to recognize and remove these types of growth to ensure the tree's long-term health, productivity, and safety. Here are some common types of tree growth that should be pruned:

1. Water Sprouts

Water sprouts are thin, upright shoots that grow from branches or the trunk of the tree, often after heavy pruning or damage. They can:

• Steal energy from the tree that would otherwise go to fruit production or healthy growth.

• Weaken the tree structure by growing too quickly and being prone to breakage.

• Compete for sunlight and air within the canopy, reducing fruit production and making the tree more vulnerable to pests and disease.

Water sprouts should be pruned as soon as they appear, especially if they are concentrated in areas where the tree has been previously pruned.

2. Root Suckers

Root suckers are similar to water sprouts but grow from the base of the tree or from its roots. They:

• Divert nutrients and energy from the main trunk and branches.

• Create an unbalanced tree structure, especially if left to grow into full-sized limbs.

• Crowd the area around the base of the tree, reducing airflow and making it harder to access the trunk.

Suckers can also indicate that the tree is stressed, possibly due to poor soil conditions or damage. Regularly prune suckers to help maintain the tree’s health and vigor.

3. Crossing or Rubbing Branches

Branches that grow across each other can:

• Rub against each other, causing wounds that leave the tree vulnerable to pests and disease.

• Interfere with light and airflow, reducing the quality of fruit and overall tree health.

These branches should be pruned to avoid long-term damage and to encourage a more open, healthy structure.

4. Dead, Diseased, or Damaged Branches

Any branches that are no longer alive or are visibly diseased or damaged need to be removed:

• Deadwood can fall, posing a hazard to people and property and creating entry points for pests.

• Diseased branches can spread illness to other parts of the tree if not removed promptly.

• Damaged branches can become weak points in the tree and are more likely to break during storms or under heavy fruit loads.

Always cut back to healthy wood, and consider sterilizing your pruning tools between cuts if disease is present.

5. Dense or Overcrowded Branches

When the tree canopy becomes too dense, it can:

• Block sunlight from reaching the inner branches, leading to poor fruit development and uneven ripening.

• Reduce airflow, increasing the risk of fungal infections, such as powdery mildew.

• Weaken fruit-bearing limbs, which may bend or break under the weight of a heavy crop.

Pruning to thin out overcrowded branches improves both fruit production and the tree's overall health.

6. Downward-Growing Branches

Branches that grow downward can:

• Shade lower limbs or the ground, reducing the tree’s overall efficiency.

• Get in the way of maintenance activities like mowing or harvesting.

• Contribute to an uneven structure, which makes the tree more prone to breakage.

Pruning these downward-growing branches will help the tree maintain a balanced, upward-growing structure.

7. Crossed or Narrow Angled Branches

Branches that grow at narrow angles to the main trunk, or that cross over each other, are more susceptible to breakage. These branches:

• Create weak junctions where the weight of fruit or ice may snap them.

• Restrict airflow, leading to a higher chance of disease.

Remove narrow-angled branches early on to avoid more serious problems later in the tree’s life.

8. Excessive New Growth

Sometimes trees will produce excessive amounts of new growth, particularly after heavy pruning or fertilization. This growth can:

• Overcrowd the canopy, making it hard for sunlight to penetrate.

• Siphon energy away from fruit production and other vital functions.

While it's important not to over-prune, a light trim can help balance the growth and focus the tree’s energy on fruiting and healthy wood.

By understanding and removing these types of growth, you encourage healthier, more productive trees and allow for a food forest that can thrive even when wildlife roams freely. Regular pruning not only improves the tree’s structure but also enhances fruit quality, air circulation, and the overall resilience of the tree.