If you are interested in pruning your apple tree, one of the most important things to remember is that pruning should always start at the base. The best time to prune is when the tree begins to produce new growth. For this purpose, you should have a branch from an existing, healthy, and lightly dormant apple tree ready to cut. This should usually be accomplished in late winter or early spring and the cutting should then be a few inches in length.
Place the branches and root tips that you want to remove in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. The roots will be considerably chilled, but they will still take some time to thaw out. If possible, the tree should be frozen prior to pruning in order to preserve all of its insides, including the bark and roots. When the tree is thawed out completely, allow it to sit in a pot on the ground for a few days. This will allow the tree to soak up as much of the water as possible without drowning.
When it is time to cut your fig tree, use your hands to quickly and accurately prune the branches. Do not be overly aggressive or you may end up with a bruised hand. Use the side of a pair of sharp scissors to cut your branch, and use a saw blade to cut through the center of the thickest branch. If you find that you have trouble maneuvering under the tree, you can prop it up using a small board or something similar. Continue to move branches until all of it is gone.
After the tree is removed from the pot, it should sit in a large pan filled with water. The tree will need good drainage, so fill the pan with well drained soil. Place the tree in a spot away from fences, trees, and other obstacles. In addition to providing extra shade for the plant, it will also discourage insects from hovering around its leaves and roots, as they are attracted to rotting materials.
After the tree has been provided with adequate protection, it is ready for pruning. To prune your trees, use only the sharper end of your pair of scissors, and do not cut too deep or you risk cutting the root system. Some people prune their trees each year, but others prune in spring and autumn. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you do not damage the roots or kill the tree.
Once the tree has been cut down, clean up all of the debris and place it where you found it. You will now be ready to properly take care of any problems that may arise from your pruning. One of these issues could be the reproduction of leaf buds. The good news is that with a little bit of work, pruning can actually help fig tree reproduction to be more successful.