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