Prune a Carob Tree: [Importance, Time, Considerations and Steps]

The carob tree is a tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height and that can be very useful from its leaves to its wood.

Its main characteristics suggest that it is a tree with special requirements to be able to maintain itself over time.

Among these requirements , the climate (Mediterranean) and pruning can be particularly appreciated , central to improving its useful life.

On this last point, we can tell you that pruning is an element that, if used well, will make your plant look beautiful and stay healthy.For this reason, it is essential that you consider some important aspects when pruning it, so we will provide you with some details about it.

Why prune a carob tree?

The carob tree is usually a fast-growing tree, and it is necessary to maintain adequate supervision to improve its living conditions. In general, it is said that it is a tree that does not need to be pruned regularly, but may require it in the long term.

This is because it may have erratic branch growth or it may dry out over time and could cause problems for the tree. That is why pruning is used as a strategy to eliminate bad stems and branches that are invoiced.

In addition, pruning helps the tree maintain good shape, favoring its appearance.

When is it better to carry out the pruning of the carob tree?

In terms of season, the best time to prune carob trees is during early fall. This is because it is much more convenient to carry out this procedure right after the harvest of the crop.

In this way, the tree can be allowed to rest and recover from this entire process in the best possible way and without generating stress. On the other hand, if we talk about the indicated time to prune a carob tree according to its age, it is preferable to wait until it is at least 5 years old.

Keep in mind that it is necessary to wait for the tree to develop well and to mature before subjecting it to pruning. Likewise, this guarantees that you can carry out a much more complete job, focused on the well-being of the plant and obtaining good results after pruning.

What tools should we use to prune a carob tree?

It is important to note that it is always necessary to use special gardening tools for pruning large and strong trees .These include handsaws, chainsaws and garden shears for thinner branches.

On the other hand, ensure that they are clean before pruning, preventing the plant from being affected.Consider that pruning tools may contain microorganisms and bacteria that could harm your plant if they come into contact with it.

What should we take into account when pruning a carob tree?

In general, the carob tree does not require constant pruning, so it is suggested that it be done at defined intervals, as appropriate.

It is best to do a pruning to clean the tree every 2 years and a much deeper pruning within the interval of 5 to 7 years .

This last pruning is convenient to do to prevent the plant from filling with damaged stems or that can cause problems to the shape of the tree. It is essential that you keep in mind that this tree always bears fruit in the same places, making it necessary to keep them clean.

It is a tree very sensitive to attacks by parasites and wood insects, making it necessary to take special care. For prevention, it is better to avoid numerous and very thick cuts, since these give much more space for these beings to enter.

Similarly, this tree promotes the growth of its flowers right at the nodes of its branches, which makes fruit pruning unnecessary.This type of pruning is very common in trees after harvesting to strengthen their branches.

However, the carob tree does not have this need, so you can harvest your crop without worrying, unless it is in its pruning period.

How to prune a carob tree without damaging the tree?

There are some points that you must take into account to avoid damaging your carob tree. First of all, the tools you use for pruning should be sharp and clean, so you avoid having to make a lot of clumsy cuts.

In the same way, it is essential that you do not make very large or abrupt cuts , since the plant would be exposed to external damage.You should also take care of the areas where the plant blooms and gives life to its fruits, since they will always be the same places and should not be damaged.

Try to develop a pruning schedule that allows you to visualize the appropriate times for it in the long term.As we have indicated before, it is useful to do a superficial pruning every 2 years and a much deeper one every 5 to 7 years.