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How to prune fruit trees
Contributed by: Kay
  • 1. What is the primary goal of pruning fruit trees?
A) Improve fruit production and tree health
B) Control tree size only
C) Stimulate vegetative growth
D) Make the tree look aesthetically pleasing
  • 2. When is the best time to prune most fruit trees?
A) Late winter/early spring
B) Early fall
C) Mid-summer
D) Any time of year
  • 3. What type of cut encourages new growth closest to the cut?
A) Bench cut
B) Drop Crotch Cut
C) Thinning cut
D) Heading cut
  • 4. What type of cut removes a branch entirely back to its origin?
A) Thinning cut
B) Heading cut
C) Bench cut
D) Stub 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) Dry, Dusty, Dirty
B) Develop, Deploy, Deliver
C) Dormant, Deciduous, Dense
D) Dead, Damaged, Diseased (and sometimes Deranged)
  • 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 flower bud
B) Vigorous vertical shoot
C) A branch that drips water
D) A root sucker
  • 9. What is a 'sucker'?
A) Shoot growing from the rootstock
B) A branch covered in thorns
C) A type of pruning saw
D) A fruit that is unusually sweet
  • 10. Why are suckers removed from fruit trees?
A) They steal energy from the desired fruiting wood
B) They are poisonous
C) They attract pests
D) They make the tree look messy
  • 11. What is the purpose of dormant oil spray after pruning?
A) Fertilize the tree
B) Promote leaf growth
C) Protect the cuts from infection
D) Control overwintering pests
  • 12. What tool is best for cutting branches larger than 2 inches in diameter?
A) Loppers
B) Saw
C) Knife
D) Hand pruners
  • 13. What tool is best for cutting small branches up to 3/4 inch?
A) Hand pruners
B) Loppers
C) Hedge trimmers
D) Saw
  • 14. Which of the following is a benefit of pruning for air circulation?
A) Protects from frost
B) Increases fruit size
C) Reduces fungal diseases
D) Attracts pollinators
  • 15. What does 'renewal pruning' refer to?
A) Applying fertilizer
B) Grafting new varieties
C) Removing old, unproductive branches
D) Planting new trees
  • 16. How should you cut a branch to prevent ripping bark?
A) Cut straight through in one motion
B) Undercut first, then cut from the top
C) Cut at a steep angle
D) Cut parallel to the trunk
  • 17. What is the ideal angle for a branch crotch?
A) Less than 30 degrees
B) 90 degrees
C) Completely vertical
D) 45-60 degrees
  • 18. Which tree form is characterized by a central leader and tiered branches?
A) Espalier
B) Weeping
C) Central leader
D) Open center
  • 19. Which fruit trees benefit most from summer pruning?
A) Citrus trees
B) Apple trees
C) Stone fruit trees
D) Pear trees
  • 20. What is the purpose of summer pruning?
A) Control vegetative growth and encourage fruiting
B) Harden off new growth before winter
C) Promote dormant bud development
D) Increase the size of the tree
  • 21. What is 'scoring' in fruit tree pruning?
A) Removing thorns from branches
B) Protecting wounds with sealant
C) Making cuts above buds to encourage growth
D) Training branches with weights
  • 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 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 rust
B) Make the tools easier to use
C) Keep the tools sharp
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) 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 only affects fruit color
B) It always decreases fruit size
C) It has no effect on fruit size
D) It can increase fruit size by reducing crop load
  • 27. What is the purpose of branch spreaders?
A) Widen the crotch angle
B) Protect branches from sunburn
C) Support heavy fruit loads
D) Prevent branches from breaking
  • 28. Which of these is a sign of over-pruning?
A) Excessive vegetative growth
B) Increased fruit production
C) Improved tree health
D) More compact tree size
  • 29. What is a 'fruiting spur'?
A) A flower bud
B) A long, vigorous branch
C) A sharp thorn
D) Short, stubby branch that produces fruit
  • 30. Why is it important to remove crossing branches?
A) They block sunlight
B) They attract pests
C) They can rub and create wounds
D) They are aesthetically unpleasing
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