Can hazelnut trees be pruned in autumn (When do hazelnut trees need to be pruned)

Can hazelnut trees be pruned in autumn?

Hazelnut trees can and should be pruned in the fall.

The hazelnut tree, also known as the mountain chestnut tree or the pointed chestnut tree, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Corylus in the Betulaceae family. Its fruit is nearly spherical or oval, with a hard and smooth outer skin, and is known as "hazelnut". It is one of the "four major dried fruits" in the world, along with walnuts, almonds, and cashews.

Hazelnuts mature and are harvested in September and October every year. After harvesting, the plant enters the adjustment and pruning period . In late autumn, when the leaves have fallen, pruning can be carried out. The autumn pruning of hazelnut trees is mainly for thinning and shaping.

1. Thinning branches

When pruning hazelnut trees, you should first prune away diseased and dead branches; then prune away thin, crossed branches and duplicate, overly long branches; finally prune away inner branches and branches that are inconsistent with the tree's vigor.

In this way, the branches can be kept neat and clean, sparse and orderly, and it is also beneficial to the accumulation and storage of nutrients in the tree body, and more conducive to the growth, lighting and ventilation of branches and leaves in the coming year .

2. Plastic surgery

Pruning refers to the process of pruning tree branches to create a certain shape based on the tree's vigor. This is what we often call tree shape and appearance. Because in any orchard, it is impossible for every tree to grow in disorder with messy branches and shapes.

The tree shape of hazelnut trees is generally divided into a trunkless bushy tree shape and a single-trunk open-heart tree shape. The two tree shapes are slightly different in pruning and shaping.

①Tree-less bushy tree

The bushy tree shape is usually supported by several main branches. Therefore, when pruning, in addition to cutting off the diseased and weak branches, dry branches and bottom side branches on several main branches.

We should also cut off the scattered and overlong branches on the periphery to make the tree slightly gathered. This will make the orchard more transparent and less prone to diseases and insect pests.

②Single trunk happy tree shape

The single trunk open tree shape refers to a tree shape supported by a main trunk with a scattered crown . When pruning this type of tree shape, the branches are usually spread out as much as possible and the crown is shaped.

That is, during autumn pruning, try to cut off diseased and dry branches on the fruiting branches, and at the same time cut off thin, crossed, and overlapping branches, so that the leaves and branches receive light evenly and maintain good ventilation.

【Summarize】

Hazelnut trees can and should be pruned in autumn. This is not only beneficial to the accumulation and storage of nutrients in the hazelnut trees, but also helps to keep the orchard clean and tidy and ensure the quality of the hazelnuts.

If the hazelnut tree needs to be pruned lightly, it can be done at any time. If it needs to be pruned significantly, it is best to do it in winter or early spring .