Root pruning in a Pink Lady orchard — Orange, NSW

2014 | Stephen Tancred, Orchard Services, with Michael Cunial | Future Orchards® trial report

This trial examined root pruning as a practical vigour-management tool in a mature Pink Lady orchard at Orange, New South Wales. The work compared root-pruned trees with untreated trees to see whether physically restricting the root system could reduce excessive shoot growth and improve canopy conditions without relying solely on chemical growth regulators.

The trial found that untreated trees maintained stronger shoot growth, while root-pruned trees showed a higher density of fine roots close to the cut zone. The treatment also improved light penetration in the canopy of vigorous trees and reduced the amount of summer-pruning work required. Fruit colour improved as harvest approached, supporting the use of root pruning where excessive vegetative growth is limiting fruit exposure and colour development.

The report positions root pruning as a relatively low-cost option that can complement other vigour-management practices. It is most useful where growers have clearly identified excessive vigour as the underlying problem and can time treatment to manage growth without excessively restricting tree performance.