When is the best time to prune a pepper tree?

Pruning of pepper trees

Pruning the Chinese prickly ash tree can coordinate the relationship between the branches, maximize the use of growth space, increase ventilation and light transmittance, and on the other hand, it can promote the formation of a good crown of the tree, which can not only optimize the internal lighting conditions, but also prevent the fruiting part of the tree from moving outward.

In addition, pruning can also encourage newly planted saplings and newly fruiting pepper trees to expand their crowns in a short period of time, prompting the pepper to bear fruit earlier and produce higher yields earlier, while reducing the incidence of diseases and insect pests to produce more flowers and fruits, ensuring high and stable yields of pepper year after year.

Pruning time for pepper trees

Sichuan pepper trees are generally pruned in winter and summer, twice a year. Pruning propagation of Sichuan pepper trees is generally carried out in February each year.

How to prune a pepper tree

1. Pruning of old trees

   If the Sichuan pepper tree is maintained for a long time, it is necessary to prune diseased and insect-infested branches, dry branches, and weak branches, and then prune the crossed branches, overlapping branches, and inner branches. Finally, cut off 10 centimeters from the top of each branch around the crown. This can rejuvenate the tree and use the overgrown branches to supplement the incomplete crown.

2. Pruning of mature fruiting pepper trees

   Adult fruit-bearing pepper trees need to maintain strong vigor and increase yield. At this time, the main thing is to thin out the excess large branches that affect light and increase ventilation. The overcrowded, thin, crossed, overgrown and diseased and insect-infested branches should also be thinned out in time to ensure the coordination of branches, ventilation and light transmission, and pay attention to leaving branches evenly.

3. Pruning of young trees and early fruit trees

Young Sichuan pepper trees need to be topped and pinched when they are young. The top should be cut off 25 to 30 cm from the trunk. Young trees that are just beginning to bear fruit should be pruned lightly. There is no need to prune them. You can support, pull and bend the branches, retaining 3 to 5 branches sprouting from the base and cutting off the rest.

Tips for Pruning Pepper Trees

During the growth period of the pepper tree, it needs to be pruned in time to prevent the branches from growing too long. The long branches should be pruned short to promote fruiting. Active and crossed branches should be thinned out to ensure sufficient photosynthesis. Pepper trees over 25 years old need to prune weak branches, drooping branches and dead branches. When pruning multiple main branches, retain 4 to 5 main branches and cut off the other branches.