Why you shouldn't cut standing branches.

How to prune properly．It makes a difference of 1cm.
   • How to prune properly．It makes a diff...  

Correct pruning method. Creating tree shapes to enjoy fruit tree cultivation to the fullest.
   • Correct pruning method. Creating tree...  

How to prune properly. If you cut it here, the tree will die.
   • Pruning that causes branches to withe...  

Section 1: Problems with Conventional Fruit Tree Cultivation - The Drawbacks of Downward Pruning.
First, let’s talk about the commonly practiced 'Downward Pruning' that has been used in traditional fruit tree cultivation.
This method has been promoted as an effective way to control the height of the tree. However, it comes with significant drawbacks in terms of tree management. For example, when you use downward pruning, the tree often reacts strongly by producing many water sprouts, leading to vigorous but unproductive growth.
Trees naturally want to grow taller to capture sunlight for photosynthesis. If a tree loses its upper branches due to pruning, it activates mechanisms to recover the lost height. Usually, strong new shoots grow vertically from the trunk, as these areas have the most efficient flow of nutrients and plant hormones.
During this phase of vigorous vegetative growth, the new shoots grow aggressively, but the tree becomes less likely to produce flowers. This means that if you prune the higher branches too heavily, the tree won’t flower as much, leading to a reduction in fruit yield. Additionally, if too much pruning is done, an excessive number of new branches may sprout, causing the tree to become overcrowded.


Section 2: A New Pruning Proposal - The Benefits of Upward Pruning.
That’s why I advocate for 'Upward Pruning.' This method is based on the tree’s natural physiology and utilizes its growth mechanisms.
With upward pruning, we focus on keeping the upward-growing branches while actively pruning the lower, drooping ones. This is where the term “Upward Pruning” comes from, as you are effectively pruning upwards.
This method keeps the tree's height relatively stable, meaning you won’t trigger the vigorous regrowth of new shoots, and water sprout production is minimized. Additionally, upward pruning maintains a good balance between vegetative growth and reproductive growth, ensuring the tree produces plenty of flowers.
With less crowding of branches, both airflow and sunlight penetration improve, which benefits the entire tree and leads to higher-quality fruit.
This method also makes annual pruning much easier. You only need to focus on cutting the lower branches, so there’s no need to overthink it. The upward branches will naturally droop under the weight of the fruit, and after the harvest, they will have become downward branches, which you can then prune. As a result, managing the fruit trees becomes much simpler, and there are far fewer dead branches. With this pruning technique, the tree grows in a balanced way, and you can harvest consistently good fruit every year.


Section 3: My Experience with Upward Pruning in Okinawa.
I grow a variety of fruit trees in Okinawa, and I use upward pruning on all of them.
For example, I apply this method to mangoes and avocados, and as a result, the trees are easier to manage, and I consistently produce high-quality fruit.
My friends who grow citrus trees and produce delicious fruit also use upward pruning. They don’t prune the large, structural branches, but instead, they perform annual upward pruning by trimming the side branches and fruiting branches. It’s an easy, highly effective pruning technique, and it results in trees that produce consistent, high-quality fruit every year.

Section 4: Upward Pruning Can Prevent Sunburn.
Avocados, in particular, grow quickly but are prone to sunburn.
If you prune the upper branches and don’t leave enough leaves, the exposed branches can quickly suffer from sunburn. When a branch gets sunburned, the internal phloem (the tissue that transports the products of photosynthesis) can be damaged.
Leaves aren’t just for photosynthesis; they also play a role in transpiration, releasing water into the atmosphere and pulling water from the roots up through the tree. This water moves through the xylem (the tissue that conducts water). The leaves act as pumps in this process. Having leaves on the upper branches helps water flow through the interior of the branches, which in itself helps prevent sunburn.
This is why you should avoid pruning the upward-growing branches.
Additionally, branches like avocados, which grow quickly, tend to droop under their weight. When branches droop, the exposed sections are directly hit by sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
By using upward pruning to remove drooping branches, you lighten the load on the branch tips, allowing the branches to point upwards again. With the leaves facing upwards, they create natural shade and help water flow through the branches, both of which help prevent sunburn.

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