Page 15 - BSAM 2016 Q3

After pruning. Now the tree has an orderly appearance and each bud has its individual space.
Back Branch
is branch has developed better. Work will consist of light pruning to rectify its structure and minor wiring to arrange the pro le of sub-branches
.
Left; We have eliminated all old leaves. With concave cutters, we have also eliminated unwanted growth. It is quite important not to leave stubs.
After wiring. We have pointed all growth tips outwards. The contour of the branches is more sinuous and more elegant.
Left; We eliminate all branches/buds that grow directly down or towards the trunk.
Right; All bifurcations must be clean, leaving only two sub-branches or buds growing from the same point.
When we have opposing growth in one sub- branch, we eliminate one. Remember, only two buds should emerge from the same point.
REDUCING WEIGHT BY MEANS OF PRUNING
Wild olives have a great ability to produce buds and growth along their branches. is particularity allows foliage and leaves to clump up in a disorganized man- ner, quite similar to a hedge. By removing some of the erratic growth, we enable a clear and organized structure.
Basic principles on deciding which growth to remove:
• Remove all downward growth
• Eliminate those that grow directly towards the trunk
• Leave only two branches/buds per branch, thus
maintaining branch bifurcations to two buds or
sub-branches.
• Do not allow opposing branches.
• All buds/branches must grow outwards.
July/August/September 2016 | BCI | 13