Sanitation pruning: removing dead and diseased wood to improve plant health

What physiological implications does the presence of dead or diseased wood have on the health of a tree? And how does its targeted removal affect the vitality of the plant? Sanitation pruning is an important practice for the optimal management of tree crops, shrubs and bushes, as it promotes a strong and balanced structure. In this talk, we will analyse the key aspects of sanitation pruning, its implications on tree physiology and the best techniques to maximise its effectiveness.

What is Sanitation Pruning and why it is important

Sanitation pruning is an essential tree and shrub care technique, useful for keeping plants vigorous, reducing the spread of disease and improving the appearance and safety of the surrounding area. This practice, aimed at removing dry, damaged or diseased branches, helps the plant to focus its energy on the healthiest branches, thus promoting balanced growth and increased durability. 

Unlike other techniques, such as production or training pruning, sanitation pruning does not focus on increasing fruit set or shaping the crown, but on the overall health of the plant. By removing dead or infected parts, pathogens and pests are prevented from finding an ideal environment to thrive, thus protecting the tree and other surrounding plants. 

This practice is also essential for safety: dry or diseased branches can fall, especially in strong winds or rain, posing a risk to anyone in the vicinity. In addition, keeping the plant free of compromised branches ensures a tidier and cleaner appearance to the tree. 

When to carry out Sanitation Pruning

Sanitation pruning, which consists of the removal of dry parts, can be performed at any time of year, since the removal of dead or diseased wood does not interfere with the vital processes of the plant. Since the tissue is already devoid of activity, there is no risk of stress for the tree, unlike green or production pruning, which require specific seasons to avoid damage to growth and fructification.

Common sanitation pruning mistakes: how to avoid them

Even sanitation pruning, if not performed correctly, can lead to negative consequences for the health of the tree. The following are common mistakes to avoid in order to ensure effective intervention.

• Excessive pruning: one of the most frequent mistakes is the removal of more diseased or dead wood. This can cause a shock to the plant, reducing its ability to regenerate and heal wounds. To avoid this, it is important to limit oneself to the removal of actually dry or diseased branches and to defer larger interventions over time. Sanitation pruning is soft pruning.
• Lack of disinfection of cutting tools: as in all pruning, using dirty or undisinfected tools can spread disease from tree to tree. To avoid this problem, it is essential to clean and disinfect blades before and after each use.
• Do not consider the type of plant: each species has its own requirements. It is necessary to find out about the specific characteristics of the plant before starting pruning, even if it is light.
• Improper cuts and problems with wood healing: an improper cut damages the collar of the branch, which encourages the formation of the healing callus. If it is damaged, the wound remains open longer, exposing the plant to the risk of fungal infections and pest attacks. 

How to protect plant tissue during pruning: natural healing and disinfection

Neat and clean cuts made immediately after the branch collar stimulate the formation of a scar callus that protects the inner tissue and seals the exposed area.

Although plants are capable of self-healing, pruning cuts can be a critical point that needs attention.

Just like a wound on human skin that requires care to ‘close’ and regenerate without infection, pruning wounds also need special attention to avoid complications.

To optimise sanitation pruning and support the rapid recovery of plants, it is important to use BioAksxter®, the innovative formulation that acts in synergy with the plant's natural processes.

One of the many benefits of this advanced fertilisation is its cell regeneration capacity, which not only promotes faster healing, but also increases the plant's natural defences and improves sap circulation. BioAksxter® also exerts a natural disinfection action on both the plant and cutting tools, thus preventing the spread of infection.

BioAksxter®: for pruning that respects life, for greenery that lasts.