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When to prune: summer vs winter
Fruit trees can be pruned both in summer and winter. Winter pruning is generally best done in July through August, and should be done before the buds begin to swell too much.
Summer pruning happens after the tree has finished fruiting (so depending on the variety … View moreWhen to prune: summer vs winter
Fruit trees can be pruned both in summer and winter. Winter pruning is generally best done in July through August, and should be done before the buds begin to swell too much.
Summer pruning happens after the tree has finished fruiting (so depending on the variety this may actually be early autumn), and there are a few advantages over winter pruning.
Less chance of disease or infection
Reduces the vigour of any regrowth
It's easier to find a nice day (Auckland's winter isn't best known for sunny, dry days).
However, winter pruning is definitely easier to do. The bare branches make it easier to see what's happening. And as long as you're careful and choose a good day, disease and infections aren't that likely.
In general, I'd recommend pruning in winter for structure, and in summer to help control the size and to trim out any damages, dead or diseased branches. Pruning in summer is also generally recommended for stonefruit (peaches, plums and apricots). However, even with stonefruit I'd still try and get the initial shape right immediately after planting as this tends to help the plant grow in the right shape from the get go.
What you'll need:
Secateurs
Loppers
Pruning Saw
Pruning Paste/Paint
Methylated Spirits- Avoid spreading diseases by sterilising blades with meths between each cut. I put mine in a little sprayer to make it easier to apply.
Other useful items:
Pole Tree Pruner (allows you to prune high up branches without a ladder)
A sturdy A-frame ladder (If you do need a ladder, be careful as it can be dangerous).
Sharp penknife or Stanley Knife.
Note: All these tools should be sharp to ensure that your cuts are nice and neat. If they aren't and you need help sharpening you can drop your tools in to your nearest Kings Plant Barn and make use of our sharpening service.
Tips for getting started
Prune on a dry day - if the trees are wet this increases your chance of spreading disease.
Know what shape you are aiming for when pruning. Generally speaking, prune and train plum and peach trees into an open-vase shape, and apples and pears into a central leader. Though there are a few other options, including modified central leaders, espaliers, and cordons that are better in some situations..
Get the shape right early. If you get the shape right early you'll make it much easier for your future self.
With the possible exception of the first year, where pruning hard can help establish a good shape, it's generally best to avoid pruning back by more than a 1/3.
More information on: www.kings.co.nz...
Shred your home or office paper or documents. Used but in good condition. $ 25.00. Contact 021 718 459.
Help us house families with hospitalised children. Join the fight to fund a night.
Hi neighbours – Come take part in our AGrowQuip $1 tractor auction at this year’s Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event!
Held 16-19 June in Mystery Creek, we have two different stands this year, M51 dedicated to our agriculture/golf & turf and you can find our … View moreHi neighbours – Come take part in our AGrowQuip $1 tractor auction at this year’s Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event!
Held 16-19 June in Mystery Creek, we have two different stands this year, M51 dedicated to our agriculture/golf & turf and you can find our construction & forestry team at D23.
We are the exclusive franchise dealer for John Deere in the Auckland and Waikato regions for Agriculture and the exclusive franchise dealer for John Deere in the North Island for Golf & Turf and Construction & Forestry; locally owned and operated with eight branches and over 150 dedicated staff.
Lace up your running shoes Auckland, it’s time to get fit for a great cause!
Run or walk the ASB Auckland Marathon on 31 October for the Cancer Society and you’ll boost your motivation while supporting local people with cancer. Choose from 11km, 21km or the full 42km – all options include… View moreLace up your running shoes Auckland, it’s time to get fit for a great cause!
Run or walk the ASB Auckland Marathon on 31 October for the Cancer Society and you’ll boost your motivation while supporting local people with cancer. Choose from 11km, 21km or the full 42km – all options include crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge.
Pledge to fundraise $1500 and the first 30 people to reach that goal will get their entry fee repaid!
I have just received a phone call from "Visa Security" telling me I had 2 overseas transactions on my credit card, 1 x $800 Amazon and 1 x $1000 on I-tunes. Extremely believable call , gave me his name and ID number, sounded very official. Said there was 2 overseas IP addresses had … View moreI have just received a phone call from "Visa Security" telling me I had 2 overseas transactions on my credit card, 1 x $800 Amazon and 1 x $1000 on I-tunes. Extremely believable call , gave me his name and ID number, sounded very official. Said there was 2 overseas IP addresses had access to my desk top, and to go into my computer so he could remove them. I asked him for a number to call him back on, he gave me an Auckland number. I rang Westpac bank instead, they said it was a scam and my card hadn't been compromised. Very official sounding call tho, so if you get this call know that it is a scam.
I am looking to buy some suckers(pups) from Queen Pineapple plants. Other edible varieties would also be of interest.
What has got into the brains (if any) of the Whangarei Council members. They have proposed and are enforcing a 50% increase in dog licence fees. This will result in more dumping of dogs and greater pressure on the animal welfare groups. This huge increase is truly ridiculous and another nail in the… View moreWhat has got into the brains (if any) of the Whangarei Council members. They have proposed and are enforcing a 50% increase in dog licence fees. This will result in more dumping of dogs and greater pressure on the animal welfare groups. This huge increase is truly ridiculous and another nail in the financial coffin of the retirees and pensioners. Our pets are in most instances our friends and companions and often our security. The banks, thanks to Covid19, have already destroyed any reasonable income that we had from our investments by slashing their interest rates and we have to continually try to stretch our dollars further just to survive. The price of food, fuel, parking and other necessities have all gone up but where can we oldies look for any form of relief? Definitely not our Council who are still determent to finish off the Hundertvasser monstrosity at any cost including putting gold foil in the roof. The sooner the local elections take place the quicker we can get rid of the current bunch of clowns.
Dave Firman
Tikipunga.
Help us house families with hospitalised children. Join the fight to fund a night.
Fisher & Paykel Q602/452 Astro. Top element that needs replacing. If new owner buys one (~$100 online) then will fit it. Contact annandjohng@gmail.com
Experience the "WONDERFULNESS of Fibre". Colour, textures and handcrafted goods.
Exhibition at Forum North - Traders, Sales, Raffles, and Kids Corner.
July 2nd to 4th. Gold Coin entry. For more details phone: 09 4371869.
Our next Monday Market is on 7 June 2021 from 9am to 1.30 pm. Come along to buy locally made:
Crafts - soaps, jewellery, knitted / crocheted goods and fabric carrybags, etc homebaking, preserves, home grown produce, plants.
Cafe and sausage sizzle, face painting, giant bubbles also available. … View moreOur next Monday Market is on 7 June 2021 from 9am to 1.30 pm. Come along to buy locally made:
Crafts - soaps, jewellery, knitted / crocheted goods and fabric carrybags, etc homebaking, preserves, home grown produce, plants.
Cafe and sausage sizzle, face painting, giant bubbles also available. Bring along the family and join in the fun
How's retirement treating you? Maybe you're in the midst of planning your retirement but haven't quite settled on your forever home yet.
If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you! The Homed team is giving you the opportunity to show us the home you've retired to and … View moreHow's retirement treating you? Maybe you're in the midst of planning your retirement but haven't quite settled on your forever home yet.
If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you! The Homed team is giving you the opportunity to show us the home you've retired to and tell us why you love it. If you haven't quite left your career behind and you're planning your retirement we want to hear about it on Stuff Nation.
Remember - this doesn't have to be a one off. You can ask your neighbours for business recommendations for DIY products, advice on home improvement or even to invite your neighbours over for a house warming when your forever home is completed.
To share your thoughts and photos with Stuff head to the Stuff Nation page, we prefer submissions between 350-800 words; otherwise email homed@stuff.co.nz.
Remember to send through lots of photos.
Te Pōkaitahi Reo
Meet Parminder Singh (Punjabi) who shares his journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi: “Studying in the Pōkaitahi Reo programme has allowed me to develop a totally beautiful and unique relationship with Māori communities. The learning has helped my work to bridge … View moreTe Pōkaitahi Reo
Meet Parminder Singh (Punjabi) who shares his journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi: “Studying in the Pōkaitahi Reo programme has allowed me to develop a totally beautiful and unique relationship with Māori communities. The learning has helped my work to bridge gaps between Māori and others in our multicultural communities. When I look back, I feel really proud. It’s a great feeling when I speak te reo Māori. It’s a privilege.”
Share in Parminder’s experience and enquire now for 2021.
These programmes are tuition fee free!
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