Pawpaw Trees: A Guide to Pruning for Fruit and Form
Introduction
Pawpaw trees are native to the eastern United States and are known for their delicious fruit and vibrant fall foliage. They are relatively easy to grow, but pruning is essential to maintain their health, productivity, and desired shape.
About Pawpaw Trees
Pawpaw trees are deciduous trees that can grow up to 30 feet tall. They have large, dark green leaves and produce purple flowers in spring. The fruits, which ripen in fall, are large and custard-like, with a sweet and custardy flavor.
Pawpaw trees can grow with a single trunk or multiple trunks. They also tend to produce suckers, which are new shoots that grow from the roots.
Why Prune Pawpaw Trees?
Pruning pawpaw trees is important for several reasons:
- To establish a single trunk: Most gardeners prefer to grow pawpaws with a single leader, or main trunk. Pruning can help to select and train the strongest leader and remove any competing branches.
- To prevent sucker growth: Pawpaw trees tend to produce suckers, which can quickly form a dense clump of trees. Pruning can help to remove suckers and prevent them from becoming a problem.
- To improve structure: Pruning can help to strengthen the tree’s structure by removing weak or diseased branches and improving the spacing between branches.
- To enhance fruit production: Pruning can help to increase fruit production by removing branches that are blocking sunlight from reaching the fruit-bearing branches.
- To improve access: Pruning can help to create a more open and accessible canopy, making it easier to harvest fruit and move around beneath the tree.
When to Prune Pawpaw Trees
The best time to prune pawpaw trees is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This gives the tree time to heal before the growing season starts.
How to Prune Pawpaw Trees
Establishing a Single Trunk
To establish a single trunk, select the strongest leader and remove any competing branches. Prune back any branches that are growing at a narrow angle to the trunk, as these branches are more likely to break.
Preventing Sucker Growth
Pawpaw suckers can be removed by hand or with pruning shears. To remove suckers by hand, simply pull them up from the ground. To remove suckers with pruning shears, cut them off at the base of the tree.
Improving Structure
To improve the tree’s structure, remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches. Also, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Enhancing Fruit Production
To enhance fruit production, remove any branches that are blocking sunlight from reaching the fruit-bearing branches. Also, prune back any branches that are too long or crowded.
Improving Access
To improve access, remove any branches that are hanging too low or blocking walkways. Also, prune back any branches that are growing into the center of the tree.
Conclusion
Pruning pawpaw trees is an important part of maintaining their health, productivity, and desired shape. By following these tips, you can help your pawpaw trees thrive and produce abundant fruit for many years to come.
