How to prune fruit trees - Quiz
  • 1. What is the primary goal of pruning fruit trees?
A) Control tree size only
B) Improve fruit production and tree health
C) Make the tree look aesthetically pleasing
D) Stimulate vegetative growth
  • 2. When is the best time to prune most fruit trees?
A) Any time of year
B) Mid-summer
C) Early fall
D) Late winter/early spring
  • 3. What type of cut encourages new growth closest to the cut?
A) Drop Crotch Cut
B) Heading cut
C) Thinning cut
D) Bench cut
  • 4. What type of cut removes a branch entirely back to its origin?
A) Bench cut
B) Stub cut
C) Heading cut
D) Thinning cut
  • 5. Which of these is NOT a reason to prune?
A) To remove dead or diseased wood
B) To improve air circulation
C) To prevent the tree from flowering
D) To shape the tree
  • 6. What is the 'three D's' or 'four D's' rule of pruning?
A) Dormant, Deciduous, Dense
B) Dry, Dusty, Dirty
C) Develop, Deploy, Deliver
D) Dead, Damaged, Diseased (and sometimes Deranged)
  • 7. What type of branching pattern should you aim for in a fruit tree?
A) Dense and bushy
B) Open center
C) Weeping
D) Completely vertical
  • 8. What is a 'water sprout'?
A) A branch that drips water
B) Vigorous vertical shoot
C) A root sucker
D) A flower bud
  • 9. What is a 'sucker'?
A) Shoot growing from the rootstock
B) A fruit that is unusually sweet
C) A type of pruning saw
D) A branch covered in thorns
  • 10. Why are suckers removed from fruit trees?
A) They make the tree look messy
B) They steal energy from the desired fruiting wood
C) They are poisonous
D) They attract pests
  • 11. What is the purpose of dormant oil spray after pruning?
A) Protect the cuts from infection
B) Promote leaf growth
C) Fertilize the tree
D) Control overwintering pests
  • 12. What tool is best for cutting branches larger than 2 inches in diameter?
A) Saw
B) Knife
C) Loppers
D) Hand pruners
  • 13. What tool is best for cutting small branches up to 3/4 inch?
A) Loppers
B) Saw
C) Hand pruners
D) Hedge trimmers
  • 14. Which of the following is a benefit of pruning for air circulation?
A) Reduces fungal diseases
B) Attracts pollinators
C) Protects from frost
D) Increases fruit size
  • 15. What does 'renewal pruning' refer to?
A) Planting new trees
B) Removing old, unproductive branches
C) Applying fertilizer
D) Grafting new varieties
  • 16. How should you cut a branch to prevent ripping bark?
A) Cut parallel to the trunk
B) Cut straight through in one motion
C) Cut at a steep angle
D) Undercut first, then cut from the top
  • 17. What is the ideal angle for a branch crotch?
A) Less than 30 degrees
B) 45-60 degrees
C) 90 degrees
D) Completely vertical
  • 18. Which tree form is characterized by a central leader and tiered branches?
A) Espalier
B) Weeping
C) Open center
D) Central leader
  • 19. Which fruit trees benefit most from summer pruning?
A) Stone fruit trees
B) Pear trees
C) Citrus trees
D) Apple trees
  • 20. What is the purpose of summer pruning?
A) Increase the size of the tree
B) Harden off new growth before winter
C) Promote dormant bud development
D) Control vegetative growth and encourage fruiting
  • 21. What is 'scoring' in fruit tree pruning?
A) Removing thorns from branches
B) Training branches with weights
C) Making cuts above buds to encourage growth
D) Protecting wounds with sealant
  • 22. When pruning a young tree, which branches should be removed?
A) All lower branches
B) Any branch touching the ground
C) Any branch producing fruit
D) Branches that compete with the central leader
  • 23. What does 'espalier' refer to?
A) A type of apple variety
B) A type of pruning saw
C) Training a tree to grow flat against a structure
D) A disease affecting fruit trees
  • 24. Why is it important to disinfect pruning tools?
A) Prevent rust
B) Keep the tools sharp
C) Prevent the spread of disease
D) Make the tools easier to use
  • 25. What is the best way to dispose of diseased branches after pruning?
A) Bury them near the tree
B) Leave them on the ground as mulch
C) Burn or dispose of off-site
D) Compost them
  • 26. How does pruning affect the size of the fruit?
A) It can increase fruit size by reducing crop load
B) It always decreases fruit size
C) It has no effect on fruit size
D) It only affects fruit color
  • 27. What is the purpose of branch spreaders?
A) Prevent branches from breaking
B) Protect branches from sunburn
C) Support heavy fruit loads
D) Widen the crotch angle
  • 28. Which of these is a sign of over-pruning?
A) Increased fruit production
B) Improved tree health
C) Excessive vegetative growth
D) More compact tree size
  • 29. What is a 'fruiting spur'?
A) Short, stubby branch that produces fruit
B) A flower bud
C) A long, vigorous branch
D) A sharp thorn
  • 30. Why is it important to remove crossing branches?
A) They are aesthetically unpleasing
B) They can rub and create wounds
C) They block sunlight
D) They attract pests
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