Subject: [NAFEX] weeping crabs-- pruning for fruit
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 00:00:10 +0000
The local gardeners have another request for helpful nafexers. See below.
Many thanks for the responses on mountain ash, and thanks for any ideas on
the following.
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Connie >
To: "tanis cuff" <tanistanis@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tanis...Q for your fruit board...
Date: 2 Feb 2004 14:32:50 -0600
T:
Mike didn't help me out much re: pruning of weeping crabs to produce the
most fruit possible. Just suggested I not cut off as far as the graft.
(tee-hee?)
I have a Malus 'Molten Lava', apprx 6 feet tall right now. Should grow to
be 12-15 feet tall/wide, from what I read. I still have it staked to ensure
the height continues, as it was a bit too weepy when I purchased it
(container, not bareroot or B&B) in 2001.
Ohio State and other studies show this tree has a lot of fruit potential,
they hang on well thru winter for returning birds, and very few mummies.
(Plus the fruit color is phenomenal!)
I know to get more fruit from regular trees, pruning is a good thing.
Is that the case with weeping crabs, and if so, how and when does one know
to start pruning?