Sloes are easy-care trees and regular pruning is not necessary for even growth. However, the blackthorn also tolerates regular pruning very well. It thanks this measure with dense and compact growth.
How do you cut sloes correctly?
To prune blackthorn correctly, you can cut back the blackthorn directly after flowering or in autumn and shape blackthorn hedges in summer. Thinning out by removing inwardly growing and crossing branches helps growth. Use sharp and clean secateurs.
Wild Beauty
Solitary sloes feel best when they are allowed to grow freely and uninhibited. Depending on the variety, they reach a height of three to four meters and a diameter of two to three meters. You can also safely leave a blackthorn hedge to your own devices, provided you have enough space in the garden.
Shorten the blackthorn properly
If you want to cut the blackthorn regularly, it is recommended to start pruning in the first few years. This way you can still access all the branches and control the growth of the thorn bush according to your wishes.
- Cut blackthorn directly after flowering or in autumn
- Sloe hedges can be cut to shape in summer
- pay attention to breeding birds when pruning in spring
- Target thinning by removing inwardly growing and crossing branches
- Sloes that have become too big can tolerate heavy pruning
- To prevent bacteria from penetrating the interface, use sharp and clean secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon)
Do not cut off root runners
The root runners that grow vertically are often found several meters away from the blackthorn. If you don't remove them, the runners will put down their own roots and grow into a new blackthorn within a few years.
If you don't want to let the blackthorn's growth get out of hand, avoid chopping off, mowing or specifically cutting off the runners. as this results in increased sprouting.
Effectively eliminate root suckers
To remove the runners, you should expose the roots of the blackthorn and pull out or cut off the long shoots. Be sure to remove the sleeping eye at the end of the shoot. If it is not removed, two or more new runners will sprout from this one eye.
After thoroughly removing the unwanted shoots, you can inhibit the growth of new runners by laying out mulching film. The dense material cuts off the sprouts from the light they need for life, thereby curbing the unbridled development of the offshoots.
Tips & Tricks
Always wear sturdy, thick gloves when cutting blackthorn, as the shrub has numerous sharp thorns.