One of the common myths is that only heavy winter pruning should be done, while summer pruning is ignored. This approach can lead to a tree full of unpruned branches in summer and create a cycle of damage during winter. In reality, winter pruning is an extension of summer pruning. If summer pruning is done properly, there is little need for heavy winter cuts. Timely summer pruning helps save nutrients and promotes flower bud development. When summer pruning is well executed, the tree's vitality remains balanced, ensuring high yield and stable production. Another misunderstanding is over-pruning in winter and under-pruning in summer—essentially, pulling branches too late and not opening their angles properly. Many apple orchards suffer from dense canopies due to this mistake. The correct practice is to open the base angle of branches in the second year after planting. When a branch reaches 40% of the spacing, it should be pulled to an 80–90-degree angle, which is key to building a strong tree structure. A third misconception is not allowing branches to grow. Some trees end up with too many branches at the base, leading to poor light conditions and internal branches dying off. This creates a situation where large branches stretch into unwanted spaces. To fix this, excess branches should be removed in stages, following the principle of "removing the inferior and keeping the superior." Large branches with thick bases should be replaced with side branches from remaining main limbs. If renewal isn't possible, the big branch must be reconstructed by opening its angle and controlling its growth. Another common error is having trees that are too tall with short trunks. Trees that are too high often become problematic after reaching full fruiting age, typically between 3 to 5 years. It’s important to lower the tree height to 3 to 3.5 meters and ensure the trunk is 60–80 cm tall. If the trunk is too low, it should be gradually raised by replacing lower branches with upper ones. Proper branch selection from the start is essential to avoid future issues. Misunderstanding number five involves improper tree structure and spacing. Planting too densely with large-crowned varieties leads to canopy closure, making it hard for the orchard to thrive. To prevent this, orchard design should consider variety characteristics and choose appropriate spacing. Dense planting requires careful shaping and strict adherence to suitable tree models. Once canopy closure occurs, new shoots on the trunk should be cultivated, and long branches removed once short ones develop. Another issue is the incorrect retraction of branches. Cutting back large branches too drastically can cause wounds that don’t heal properly. The base left after retraction should be at least one-third the size of the cut. Similarly, improper handling of pruning wounds can lead to infections and slow healing. Pruning tools must be sterilized to prevent disease spread. After cutting, treat the wound with a mixture of fungicide or sulfur powder to promote healing. Some growers still use outdated techniques like “tiger mouth” and “draw wedge” for angle opening, which are no longer suitable for modern dense planting systems. These methods can lead to branch diseases and weaken the tree. If such practices have been used, new branches should be encouraged to replace damaged ones. Lastly, many neglect to disinfect pruning tools, which contributes to rot and dry rot diseases. Tools should be cleaned with fire or a 5% solution of 9281 after each cut. Wounds should also be treated immediately with fungicides to prevent infection. Taking these steps ensures healthier trees and better long-term results.

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