Basically, you don't have to cut the sleeping tree or silk tree at all. Most silk acacias develop a very beautiful, even crown on their own. Pruning is particularly important if you want specific designs or want to keep the sleeping tree in shape.
How do I prune a sleeping tree correctly?
You should cut the sleeping tree in spring (May). If it is a tree, only remove annoying side shoots; if it is a shrub, cut off the main shoot and regularly cut back the tips of the shoots. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and cut just above one eye.
Draw a sleeping tree as a tree or shrub?
The important question is whether you want to grow the sleeping tree as a shrub or a tree.
If you want a tree to grow, don't cut the silk tree at first. When caring for it as a shrub, you have to cut off the top of the main shoot so that many side shoots develop.
- Cut the sleeping tree into shape
- Cut shoot tips for better branching
- remove old and diseased branches
- Pruning in case of horniness
The right time to cut the silk acacia tree
Prune the sleeping tree in spring, preferably in May. A silk acacia tolerates pruning well. However, no more frosts should be expected because the sleeping tree will not be able to cope with the pruning so well.
How do you cut the silk tree correctly?
When designing the sleeping tree as a tree, you only cut off annoying side shoots in the first few years. You only have to shape the crown by cutting if individual branches disturb the overall picture.
If the sleeping tree is grown in the form of a bush, cut off the tips of the branches regularly. This means the shrub branches better and appears more compact. Weak and thin shoots should also be cut. They weaken the silk acacia unnecessarily.
Cutting is done with clean and sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon). The cut is generally made directly above one eye.
Severe pruning when the sleeping tree has rotted
If the shoots of the sleeping tree are very rotten or no new shoots are forming at the bottom, you can cut the silk tree back to half its height.
Limit growth by pruning
The sleeping tree grows quite quickly in a favorable location. If you don't want it to get that tall, cut it back annually.
If you care for the silk acacia in the bucket, you can shorten the roots a little when repotting. Then the sleeping tree grows a little slower.
Tip
The sleeping tree can also be easily cultivated as a bonsai. It tolerates cutting well and can be grown in different shapes. Pruning is done after flowering or in late summer.
