Pruning trees correctly. A guide

By pruning a tree you can promote the health, growth and shape of your tree. But which tree actually needs pruning? And: When and how should you prune trees? In this article you will find all the important information on this exciting topic.

Why should you prune trees?

Why cut trees when no one does it in nature?

That is a legitimate question. Trees survive without pruning. And yet pruning offers several advantages:

• By removing injured or dead branches, the tree can better regenerate and form new shoots.
• Pruning a tree promotes the growth of young shoots.
• Regular pruning helps to give the tree a beautiful shape and a good appearance.
• In the case of fruit trees, pruning can cause the tree to produce more and larger fruits.

The ideal time for tree pruning

The timing depends on the type of tree and the desired effect. Most trees are ideally pruned between March and September. During this time, their wounds can heal more quickly, reducing the risk of infection. We recommend that you look up specific information about your tree type so that you can support your tree as best as possible.  

Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right time:

• Winter is generally a good time for pruning. Without leaves, the tree structure is clearly visible, and pruning often leads to strong growth in spring (so only prune trees in winter that are still growing strongly). But there is also a big disadvantage: at temperatures below 0°C, frost can damage the wound.
• That's why spring is better for many trees. Like pruning in winter, pruning in spring also leads to stronger growth and shoots. If you already have a large tree, pruning in summer is better.
• Summer is a good time to slow growth. This is especially useful when trees or shrubs are getting too large.

This means: If you want your tree to continue to grow vigorously, you can prune the tree in winter or spring. If you want to slow down the growth of a tree, we recommend that you prune it in summer.

How should you prune trees?

When pruning trees, the right tools and the right technique are important:

• We recommend using sharp and well-maintained tools to achieve clean cuts. Sharp pruning shears are helpful for thinner branches and a saw for thicker twigs.
• The first thing you can do is remove dead, damaged and diseased branches.
• We recommend thinning out the crown, especially for fruit trees. A crown that is not too dense reduces the occurrence of fungal diseases. Cut back anything that grows inwards, crosses over or overlaps.
• Avoid hat hooks: An important rule when pruning trees is to cut the branches cleanly off the trunk or side shoots. If branch stumps are left standing, so-called hat hooks form. These die over time and create an opportunity for pests to penetrate.
• When pruning, remember that pruning in winter and spring will trigger strong growth later on. The more you prune, the more the tree will respond with new growth.
• When pruning an old tree, focus on removing weak or crowded shoots. This will encourage the growth of new, stronger shoots and extend the life of the tree.

Every tree is different

Before you start pruning, we recommend that you look for specific information about your tree species. Many trees have their own special pruning habits. Also note that improper pruning can cause more harm than good. If you want to get serious about pruning, we recommend that you buy a good book on the subject with lots of illustrations.