Farm Vines Pruning & Winter Prep: Day 1 of Orchard & Adjacent Forest Clean-Up

By Theodore West Published on

Today marks day one of a week-long farm maintenance project along my orchard and the forest next to the fields. I’m carefully pruning overgrown vines and small branches that have wrapped around larger trees, while leaving mature trees such as pine, cedar, walnut, and chestnut intact. This is essential farm and woodland upkeep to keep both the trees and surrounding land healthy.

Pruning Vines and Small Branches in the Orchard and Adjacent Forest

Using a heavy-duty lopper, I’m cutting vines and smaller branches that have become tangled or are shading important trees. Some younger shoots have small thorns, while older vines have hardened into woody, tree-like branches. Strong climbing vines such as Smilax (greenbrier) are incredibly tough, almost rope-like, so proper vine and branch management in the orchard and forest edge is key for safety.

Overgrown Vines and Small Branches in Orchard and Adjacent Forest – Before Pruning

Improving Sunlight and Airflow

Removing dense vines and small branches lets sunlight penetrate the tree canopy and improves airflow. This reduces the risk of tree diseases and allows my walnut, chestnut, and pine trees to thrive both in the orchard and the adjacent forest.

Orchard and Forest Edge Cleared – After Vine and Small Branch Pruning 1
Orchard and Forest Edge Cleared – After Vine and Small Branch Pruning 2

Winter Prep Along the Fields

From mid-mountain to the peaks, I spotted snow today, a clear sign that it is time to start winter preparation. On the farm and forest edge, this means:

  • Clearing vines and branches that could weigh down trees under snow

  • Ensuring healthy airflow for the trees

  • Preparing paths and access areas for safe movement in icy conditions

Snow-Covered Mountains Above Orchard – Winter Preparation Signal

Key Takeaways

  • Use loppers or tree shears for thick vines and branches

  • Watch for thorns on young growth

  • Cut at the base to minimize regrowth

  • Check surrounding mountains, snow signals it is time for winter maintenance along the orchard and adjacent forest


Season:
Location: Fujimi, Suwa District, Nagano, Japan

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