It’s time for tree pruning again . Plants like trees, hedges, and shrubs need to be trimmed back. This topic raises several questions, such as when the right time is, how the pruning should be carried out, and why tree pruning is so important. We’ll answer these questions for you in this article. We’ll also tell you what mistakes to avoid and which tools are suitable for tree pruning.

Why is tree pruning important?

Pruning is important to keep trees healthy and flowering . To keep fruit trees healthy, sufficient air and light must penetrate the crown. This means removing branches that don’t fit into the tree’s growth pattern. This is easier to see in late autumn and winter, as the branches aren’t covered by leaves. This allows for more precise work. The smaller the surface area your trees offer, the better.

How do I prune my trees correctly?

First, you should remove inward-growing shoots and water shoots. These are disruptive elements that occasionally grow upwards, thus disrupting the growth pattern. Depending on the size and the tree species, it is advisable to mark the length to be removed. Chalk is a good option for this. This will help you keep track of the area and allow you to achieve the desired shape more precisely. Experience has shown that the lengths are better maintained when pruning from top to bottom.

Make sure to remove branches that grow from the outside inward. These disrupt the flow of light and air. A pyramid-shaped tree is generally recommended. This means removing fewer branches at the bottom of the crown than at the top. This creates a pleasing appearance and helps the tree absorb light. Generally speaking, all competing branches, i.e., secondary shoots, are removed. This includes side shoots, water shoots, and dead branches. The main shoots are shortened, not removed entirely. The right tree pruning tools play a key role here. Use sharp blades so that the branches and shoots can continue to grow healthily.

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Overall, it’s advisable to keep a balance between fruit shoots and leaf shoots. The tree should therefore have roughly the same number of shoots with flowers as those without. So-called water shoots develop at the highest points of the branches, only a few of which remain. These later contribute to the formation of the crown. You should avoid pruning fruit shoots that are growing rapidly. Individual shoots that extend upwards at an angle of more than 45° usually don’t bear fruit. Cut these off as close to the branch as possible using suitable pruning shears. Dead shoots should also be removed. These are a pure burden on the tree and susceptible to fungi. Clear your trees of dead branches.

When is the best time to prune trees?

The best time for tree pruning is October and November. Autumn is perfect for pruning trees because the lack of leaves makes the wood structure clearly visible. When the leaves fall, the trees go into dormancy, which is ideal for pruning. Even in spring, around March and April, the tree still has few to no leaves or fruit, which is why spring is also a good time for tree pruning. However, we prefer tree pruning in autumn because this gives the tree enough time to regenerate before the new blossoms. Also note that radical pruning is prohibited after March 1st. You are therefore only permitted to carry out shaping cuts. If February already allows it thanks to mild temperatures, this month is also suitable for tree pruning.

Occasional pruning can be done as early as January. Winter pruning is especially appropriate for pome fruits and hardy woody plants. However, this should be done on a frost-free day to prevent the open areas from splintering. This would hinder regeneration and damage the wood. Shrubs that bloom in spring can tolerate pruning in the spring, after they have finished flowering.

But be careful : heavy pruning of woody plants such as trees, hedges or bushes is prohibited between March and September. They must not be cut back to the stump or removed. This measure is to protect the population of birds that nest in your trees and hedges at this time. Furthermore, squirrels may be in your trees at this time of year, raising their young. We therefore recommend tree pruning in the autumn . Maintenance or shaping pruning is permitted all year round, as is the removal of diseased or infested trees and hedges. Apart from tree pruning in the autumn, this is a good time of year to help squirrels find food for the winter.☺

Care after pruning

If you find any frayed areas, you should repair them with a sharp knife to create a smooth cut. To help the tree heal, it’s advisable to seal the open cuts with tree wax. This reduces the risk of insects or fungi invading. Dead fruit and leaves should also be removed during pruning to prevent fungi from attacking.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Do not prune your trees during frost , as this hinders regeneration and increases the risk of splintering bark.
2. Pay attention to the correct shape . If your tree’s crown is too wide, it will be exposed to wind and rain. Heavy snowfall can even cause branches to break.
3. Don’t leave large cuts untreated . This will provide too large a surface area for pests to attack.
4. Always keep your tools clean and sharp. Rust and dirt are very damaging to the tree’s internal structures. So clean and disinfect your tools after every use.
5. Frayed areas need to be repaired. A smooth surface can recover much faster and better than a frayed one.
6. Most tree species tolerate radical pruning rather than a few cuts.
7. Not every tree requires pruning. Many ornamental trees don’t require pruning. It’s best to research the specific variety.

Suitable tools for tree pruning

Tools for tree pruning must be one thing above all: sharp! A sharp blade cuts much cleaner and leaves a straight cut surface. This is important for the healing of your trees.

For tree trimming, you’ll need loppers. These can cut branches up to five centimeters in diameter. The long levers minimize the effort required. Combined with a ladder , you can reach even tall plants and branches. If the trees are in hard-to-reach places, scissor-grippers are the right choice! Depending on the model, they can reach lengths of over four meters! Do you want to trim your hedge? Then you’ll need hedge trimmers . These have longer blades, allowing for a more even cut. This saves you a lot of time.

My absolute must-have is the pair of garden shears. You use this tool for cutting small branches, severing shoots, and repairing uneven cuts. They’re also useful for various other tasks besides tree pruning. Practical replacement parts can be purchased online.

My conclusion on tree pruning

Pruning trees is important for the aesthetic appeal of your garden, but above all for the health of your plants. To ensure long-lasting flowering and fruit-bearing, tree pruning must be carried out conscientiously. I hope this post is helpful and answers your questions about tree pruning. Feel free to leave any additions or further tips in the comments! What is your favorite tool for pruning trees?

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