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