Vine trimming method

　　 1 , " 1 , 3 , 6 , 9 ~ 12 " trimming method: This technique involves pruning the dragon vine on the scaffolding surface so that each 1-meter section has 3 result branches, leaving 6 to 12 buds. The long tip of the dragon vine is usually kept in the middle or long ends, and it is retracted annually, with a new extension selected from the back. In horticultural practices, the number of buds is slightly increased but should not exceed 15, which corresponds to the "1, 3, 6, 9 to 15" system.

　　 2 , " 1 , 2 , 1 " trimming method: This approach is suitable for longan and other varieties. It uses horizontal scaffolding, where each 1 to 1.5 meters has two to three plants per hole. A dragon vine is placed every 50 to 60 cm on the frame, and single branches are alternately updated. Each 1-meter-long dragon vine has two short tips (1 to 2 nodes) and one middle tip. Long spreading tips are cut, and each frame has a wide surface of about 2 square meters, with approximately 14 to 20 buds left per square meter. This method is ideal for young fruit trees and helps maintain a good yield.

　　 3. Pruning during the fruiting period: Trees in this phase are typically between 13 to 40 years old. As they age, their growth gradually weakens, and without proper management, they may experience alternating large and small harvests. Pruning at this stage focuses on balancing growth and fruit production, improving light conditions, maintaining tree vigor, and ensuring high and stable yields.

 

　　 4 , pruning of aging trees: Trees aged 30 to 40 years enter the aging stage. The main goal here is to rejuvenate and update the tree, restore its productivity, and ensure continued high yields. If the central branch group shows signs of decay, it should be cut back to the base, and the crown should be reshaped into a more balanced form. Care must be taken to protect the wound from rot. During this period, long branches should be used to develop new fruit-bearing branches, while also rebuilding and revitalizing existing ones. Excess flower buds should be removed to promote healthy growth.

　　 5, re-cutting flowers before bud stage: Mid-March to early April, when the tree is still in dormancy and flower buds have not fully developed, extra branch groups should be pruned or cut back to ensure a full canopy. For poor-quality trees, it's best to replace them when sap flow begins.