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nafex - [NAFEX] Re: Notching

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  • From: Terence Bradshaw <tblists@pshift.com>
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Re: Notching
  • Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 10:00:05 -0500

I have used notching to force buds very successfully.  I tend to do it in early spring, say late April around here (Vermont).  I use my hand pruners and press the sharp blade into the cambium just above the bud I want to force, rocking gently.  I generally do this on trees in the ground in their second or third year to promote the branching I want.  Typically the caliper of the leader into which I'm notching is <3/4".
As for notching to devigorate trees, I have not done it but I have done some trunk ringing.  This seems to work well when done during bloom.  I make two overlapping cuts, neither completely around the trunk. The cuts are made with my hand saw and are located just below the first branches.  It would be good to follow up with removal of any suckers that may form below the cuts. See this site for more: http://www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/factsheets/growthcontrol.htm

Terry B


Does anyone know of any science or had personal experience that it works? That is a notch cut above a bud will cause that bud to grow out or a notch below a branch will reduce the vigor of that branch. Does it work on both old and new wood? What time of the year would it be done? I can find information on the internet on how to do it, but nothing beyond that.

=================================================================
Terence Bradshaw 
1189 Wheeler Road
Calais, VT 05648        
(802)229-2004
bradshaw@pshift.com



The views represented are mine and mine only...


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