Learn the proper procedure for putting braces on newly planted trees
Growing fruit trees is an activity that combines passion, knowledge and meticulous care. Indeed, ensuring that plants grow strong and healthy from the earliest years is essential to achieving a productive and long-lived orchard.
Among various agronomic management practices, the use of braces plays a crucial role. Indeed, braces help protect young plants from damage caused by wind and other adverse weather conditions, allowing them to develop properly over the next few years.
With this article, we at Gel Giussani will explore the steps needed to properly put braces on newly planted fruit plants.
Essential tools for putting braces on fruit trees
To properly put braces on fruit plants, it is essential to have the following tools:
- Braces: these supports are available in various materials, such as wood, plastic and iron. At Gel Giussani, we manufacture iron braces for agricultural applications, which are particularly recommended for their strength, durability and ability to effectively withstand the elements. Our braces are available in a variety of diameters and lengths, so they can be used for numerous applications: from fruit trees to vines to rooted cuttings.
- Hammer or mallet: tool needed to plant the braces in the ground without damaging them.
- Elastic bindings: useful for securing the trunk of the plant to the brace.
- Meter: to measure the correct distance between the brace and the trunk of the plant.
The correct procedure for putting braces on fruit plants
Before beginning with any operation, it is essential to make a point: attachment of the brace to the plant is necessary during its first two years of life. At the end of these two years, it is necessary to remove the brace, as the plant will have developed the necessary roots to support itself. The purpose of the braces, in fact, is to support the plant during the initial stage of growth, when the roots are not yet sufficiently developed to provide adequate stability.
Having made this clarification, let’s look at the correct procedure in detail.
Begin by identifying the side of the plant opposite the wind direction. This is the side on which the brace will need to be placed to provide maximum support against wind gusts. Measure a distance of about 20-30 cm from the trunk of the plant on this side and mark the exact spot by making a small furrow.
Next, using a hammer or mallet, plant the brace into the ground. Generally, the brace should go into the ground at least one-third of its total length. As you plant the brace, make sure it remains perpendicular to the ground and is stable when you apply light lateral pressure.
After planting the brace, it is time to tie it to the plant using an elastic binding. This type of material is preferable because it avoids damaging the bark and promotes the natural development of the plant. Take the elastic binding and create an “8” shape around the trunk and the brace; the ideal height of the binding is about 40 percent of the total length of the plant starting from the ground.
This type of tying ensures that the trunk and brace remain the correct distance apart and do not rub against each other. The tying should also allow the trunk minimal movement, similar to the natural movement caused by the wind, so as to help the trunk develop on its own.
For larger plants or in areas with particularly strong winds, two or three braces can be used for greater stability and to protect the plant from mechanical shocks. In this case, place the braces equidistant around the trunk and tie them together following the same principle of “8” tying.
After the procedure is complete, check the bindings and integrity of the braces regularly, especially after intense weather events. We recommend adjusting the bindings as the plant grows to avoid constriction and damage to the bark.
Conclusion
Putting braces on fruit trees is a fundamental operation to ensure healthy and stable growth of the plants in their early years. In this context, we at Gel Giussani support farmers with our aforementioned iron braces and a wide range of accessories for vineyards and orchards; contact us now for more information!
