Based on the different periods of the Zanthoxylum bungeanum tree’s growth cycle, prickly ash tree pruning is generally divided into spring pruning, summer pruning and autumn pruning. It can also be said to be pruning during the growth period, pruning before picking, and pruning after picking; it can also be said to be daylight pruning, picking pruning, and plastic pruning. The pruning of the pepper tree is mainly based on its different growth stages and combined with different pruning purposes, and is done at the right time.

Based on the different periods of the Zanthoxylum bungeanum tree’s growth cycle, prickly ash tree pruning is generally divided into spring pruning, summer pruning and autumn pruning.

It can also be said to be pruning during the growth period, pruning before picking, and pruning after picking; it can also be said to be daylight pruning, picking pruning, and plastic pruning.

1. Spring pruning

March and April in spring are the peak seasons for the growth of pepper branches and leaves. At this time, as long as the place is suitable for growth and development, buds and new branches will happily grow out.

Stems, branches, and broken parts will all become good places for sprouting and branching, so that the entire plant enters a crazy state of growth and appears to be thriving!

However, the Zanthoxylum bungeanum tree does not need excessive sprouting or branching at this time, but pruning.

Not only should unnecessary buds and new branches be pruned off stems and branches in a timely manner to reduce the consumption of water, fertilizer and nutrients, but also diseased branches, weak branches, dense branches and cross branches that have been generated should be pruned boldly. To facilitate ventilation and lighting.

In this way, it can not only reduce the occurrence of diseases and insect pests, but also allow the plants to receive even light, promote photosynthesis, make stems and branches grow strong, and lay the foundation for subsequent flower bud differentiation and fruit setting.

2. Summer pruning

The maturity period of Zanthoxylum bungeanum is mostly from July to October every year. Among them, August and September are the most suitable months for picking. At this time, the pepper shells are cracked, the seeds are black and the skin is red, and they are fragrant and numb, which is very pleasant. People are optimistic about sunny days, which means they will pick in large quantities.

However, it is very inconvenient to pick Zanthoxylum bungeanum due to its spiky stems and branches. For this reason, people often do a major pruning before picking in large quantities.

First cut off those branches that cross the rows and block the way, making it difficult to pick deeply. Then prune off those branches that bear few fruits and take up space. Finally, cut off dense branches and dry branches.

In this way, it is much easier to pick and cut pepper ears, and people are less vulnerable to harm.

3. Autumn pruning

Pepper picking usually ends in early October. After picking, the Zanthoxylum bungeanum tree is more or less messy, giving the appearance of an uneven tree. After one or two weeks of recovery, autumn pruning can be carried out.

Autumn pruning mainly follows the principles of happy plant shape, sparse at the top and dense at the bottom, convenient for lighting and picking. At the same time, cut off dead branches, diseased and weak branches, injured branches, cross branches, dense branches and branches that are too high or too long.

In this way, not only the tree shape is neat and the branches are dense and dense, but it is also conducive to the accumulation of nutrients in the plant.