Summer Pruning

Earlier this week I spent a happy couple of hours summer pruning the quince tree.  First I used a long handled pruner to cut off all the long whippy growths that were spoiling the outline of the tree and then I opened up the inside of the tree by removing lots of the small twiggy growths and creating a more open canopy.  The tree looks much nicer, there is better air circulation which reduces the risk of plant disease and more light filters through to the plants beneath.  Left to their own devices, quinces will grow into large rather messy shrubs, but regular pruning transforms them into neat and attractive trees.