Tree pruning is one of the most important horticultural practices in an orchard. When you prune in winter, you are tested on how you can balance vigor and fruitfulness. The key to this balance is sunlight, and how it is distributed through the tree canopy. Making the wrong pruning cuts can increase shading and decrease fruitfulness in the next growing season. This can cost you dearly. Shoots and roots grow in balance. When you prune fruit trees in winter, you interfere with this balance. The shoots start to regrow in spring, but to do this, they need energy and carbohydrates. […]