Tips for Pruning Pomegranate Trees

Here are some good tips for pruning pomegranate trees that will help you avoid a common pitfall. If your pomegranate tree has not been growing healthily for several years, it is essential that you make pruning decisions based on the healthy condition of your tree. Some tips for pruning pomegranate trees are discussed below.

One of the most important tips for pruning pomegranate trees is to avoid cutting your plant at the base. This is because the main shoots of pomegranates grow up through the ground and may cause damage to the root system.

1. Choose Right Time for Pruning

When you begin pruning your tree, it is important to make sure that you do so at the right time of year. When the soil is warm, the growth will be better. It is also important that you pick a healthy root system before you start pruning. The health of these roots will determine how your pomegranate will grow. Do not cut the root system too short, because the branches will not have a chance to grow. Also, do not prune the branches near the top or you will stunt their growth.

2. Do Not Prune Young Plants

Another one of the tips for pruning pomegranate trees is to not prune at all when the tree is young. This is especially important if you are growing the trees in pots because the tiny little branches cannot support the weight of the larger main trunk of the plant. When the branches are too long and they are touching the trunk of the plant, it will be more difficult for the tree to grow properly. It will just become too much for it to handle at this early stage.

3. Start from Bottom

When you are looking for tips for pruning pomegranate trees, you should start with the bottom branches. You should use sharp pruners to cut off the bottom leaves. After this, you can go on and trim other parts of the trunk. You should remember not to cut off too much wood because the trunk will eventually dry out. When the bark becomes dry, it will become weak and it won’t be as strong.

4. Avoid Pruning Long Shoots

Also, avoid pruning long shoots that may have grown into the trunk or canes of your plant. Long shoots that have reached the top of a cane may be damaged by pruning. This may result in the death of the plant. If you need to prune long shoot plants, cut them back to about a meter high. If your plant is in a weak and diseased state, it may require surgical treatment.

5. Cut Away One-Third of Branch

Be sure to only cut away about a third of the branch. Try to keep intact as much of the canes, twigs, leaf buds and petals as possible. Keep in mind that pruning branches that are close to the base, or have developed a root system, may become infected with the disease.

This means that the entire plant may have to be removed if this problem is ignored. Remove the diseased parts of the plant. This will also prevent the disease from spreading to the remaining parts of the plant.

6. Lower or Upper Pruning

The branches and leaves are the most visible part of a pomegranate tree. To prune these areas, first cut away any canes, twigs or leaves that are hanging over the main trunk. These should be pruned to either the lower or upper pruning. You can then take some of these leaves and dispose of them. Before cutting away any more canes or leaves, pinch off any long hairs that may be attached to the branches.

7. Remove Diseased or Damage Sections of Trunk

Another great tip for pruning pomegranate trees is to remove the diseased or damaged sections of the trunk. By taking out the diseased portions, you will allow for healthy growth from the uninfected portions. This is also a very useful tip for pruning because it will prevent the tree from breaking apart. When it comes to cutting, make sure that you don’t cut far above the heartwood.

Doing this will cause the tree to break apart and possibly cause the branches to snap, which will definitely be undesirable. Cutting the wood below the heartwood, however, should not be cut too far above the heartwood because this will encourage brittleness in the tree.

8. Conclusion

The tips for pruning pomegranate trees are easy to follow if you remember to do some of the basics before pruning. Remember to remove the dead and weak parts of the tree, as well as the diseased or damaged parts. You can choose to keep the heartwood, which can add texture and color to your garden, intact, or you can cut off some of the sections to create an asymmetrical effect.

You can use a saw to cut the branches, but if you don’t want to use one, you can use your pruning shears to trim off some of the branches. With these simple tips for pruning pomegranates, you will surely have a successful season planting, trimming, and caring for your pomegranates.