{"id":16701,"date":"2020-01-23T18:46:05","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T21:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=16701"},"modified":"2024-04-26T15:39:00","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T18:39:00","slug":"training-a-tree-how-to-make-first-pruning-cuts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/training-a-tree-how-to-make-first-pruning-cuts\/","title":{"rendered":"Training a Tree – How to Make First Pruning Cuts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Training trees? You may have read that and had a sinking feeling because it\u2019s one more project to add to your to-do list. Hear me out, though. Training a young tree significantly improves limb strength while encouraging vigorous growth and increased longevity. Which is well worth a little extra work if it means better tree health overall. <\/span><\/p>

Thankfully, you don\u2019t need to be an arborist to train trees. All you need is a basic understanding of the training systems (plus basic tree care) and a plan of attack.<\/span><\/p>

What is tree training?<\/span><\/h2>

Tree training is a way to direct your tree into a specific shape as it grows, using selective pruning techniques and limb positioning to achieve the desired end result. The structure of the tree is altered in such a way that the resulting shape is incredibly beneficial for both you and the tree.<\/span><\/p>

Benefits of Early Tree Training<\/span><\/h2>
\"Pruning
Tree-pruning techniques have changed little since 1915, when this image was included in “The Principles of Fruit Growing.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>

While it is much easier to let a tree grow willy-nilly with no training, training it from an early age has many benefits besides making the tree more neat and attractive.<\/span><\/p>

The biggest benefit of training a tree is that it creates a strong structure that improves the overall health of the tree. As the tree matures there is a reduced need for pruning and trees experience less storm damage since their branches are stronger and more resilient to winds. <\/span><\/p>

The decrease in storm damage and a reduction in pruning as trees mature means there is less chance for pest or disease problems through open wounds. <\/span><\/p>

Training fruit trees also encourages earlier fruit production.<\/span><\/p>

What Types of Trees Can Be Trained<\/span><\/h2>

Deciduous trees<\/span><\/a> \u2014 those that are adorned with leaves that fall off every autumn \u2014 are the most-commonly trained. <\/span><\/p>