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