Basic Pruning Criteria

The criterion determines the size, appearance and shape of the pruned tree, which should be:

Low - in the first pruning criterion, it refers more to the height of the trunk than to that of the tree as a whole. In fruit trees, the preference today for small trees with little trunk is unquestionable; and whatever the type of formation chosen, one of the objectives of pruning is to achieve low-stemmed trees.

Solid - the second criterion, which establishes the need for a tree to be solid, refers to its trunk and branches. Pruning operations must achieve a tree structure capable of resisting the impact of climatic factors, without suffering breakages or tearing of its fundamental elements.

Aeration - the third quality criterion of pruning is that it achieves aerated, ventilated and well-lit trees throughout their crown. Air and light are essential for the budding, development and growth of the tree's active elements; therefore, if the density of the vegetation hinders the internal lighting and ventilation of the crown, it does not renew itself and ages quickly, losing the inner vegetation.

Balance - technically the fourth criterion conditioning the quality of pruning work, regarding the degree of balance achieved in a tree. Balance refers to the regularity and symmetry of the crown; a well-pruned tree must have harmonious and homogeneous development. On the other hand, a balance must be produced between fruiting and annual vegetation, so that neither predominates over the other.