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) Control tree size only
D) Improve fruit production and tree health
  • 2. When is the best time to prune most fruit trees?
A) Any time of year
B) Late winter/early spring
C) Early fall
D) Mid-summer
  • 3. What type of cut encourages new growth closest to the cut?
A) Drop Crotch Cut
B) Bench cut
C) Heading cut
D) Thinning cut
  • 4. What type of cut removes a branch entirely back to its origin?
A) Stub cut
B) Heading cut
C) Bench 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) Dead, Damaged, Diseased (and sometimes Deranged)
B) Dormant, Deciduous, Dense
C) Dry, Dusty, Dirty
D) Develop, Deploy, Deliver
  • 7. What type of branching pattern should you aim for in a fruit tree?
A) Dense and bushy
B) Weeping
C) Open center
D) Completely vertical
  • 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 fruit that is unusually sweet
B) Shoot growing from the rootstock
C) A type of pruning saw
D) A branch covered in thorns
  • 10. Why are suckers removed from fruit trees?
A) They are poisonous
B) They attract pests
C) They steal energy from the desired fruiting wood
D) They make the tree look messy
  • 11. What is the purpose of dormant oil spray after pruning?
A) Control overwintering pests
B) Promote leaf growth
C) Protect the cuts from infection
D) Fertilize the tree
  • 12. What tool is best for cutting branches larger than 2 inches in diameter?
A) Hand pruners
B) Saw
C) Loppers
D) Knife
  • 13. What tool is best for cutting small branches up to 3/4 inch?
A) Hedge trimmers
B) Saw
C) Hand pruners
D) Loppers
  • 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) Applying fertilizer
B) Grafting new varieties
C) Planting new trees
D) Removing old, unproductive branches
  • 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) 90 degrees
B) 45-60 degrees
C) Less than 30 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) Citrus trees
C) Stone fruit trees
D) Pear trees
  • 20. What is the purpose of summer pruning?
A) Increase the size of the tree
B) Promote dormant bud development
C) Harden off new growth before winter
D) Control vegetative growth and encourage fruiting
  • 21. What is 'scoring' in fruit tree pruning?
A) Training branches with weights
B) Removing thorns from branches
C) Protecting wounds with sealant
D) Making cuts above buds to encourage growth
  • 22. When pruning a young tree, which branches should be removed?
A) Any branch producing fruit
B) Branches that compete with the central leader
C) All lower branches
D) Any branch touching the ground
  • 23. What does 'espalier' refer to?
A) A type of pruning saw
B) A disease affecting fruit trees
C) Training a tree to grow flat against a structure
D) A type of apple variety
  • 24. Why is it important to disinfect pruning tools?
A) Prevent the spread of disease
B) Make the tools easier to use
C) Keep the tools sharp
D) Prevent rust
  • 25. What is the best way to dispose of diseased branches after pruning?
A) Compost them
B) Leave them on the ground as mulch
C) Burn or dispose of off-site
D) Bury them near the tree
  • 26. How does pruning affect the size of the fruit?
A) It only affects fruit color
B) It has no effect on fruit size
C) It always decreases fruit size
D) It can increase fruit size by reducing crop load
  • 27. What is the purpose of branch spreaders?
A) Protect branches from sunburn
B) Support heavy fruit loads
C) Widen the crotch angle
D) Prevent branches from breaking
  • 28. Which of these is a sign of over-pruning?
A) More compact tree size
B) Increased fruit production
C) Excessive vegetative growth
D) Improved tree health
  • 29. What is a 'fruiting spur'?
A) A flower bud
B) A sharp thorn
C) Short, stubby branch that produces fruit
D) A long, vigorous branch
  • 30. Why is it important to remove crossing branches?
A) They are aesthetically unpleasing
B) They can rub and create wounds
C) They attract pests
D) They block sunlight
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