The Gleditsia triacanthos should be planted as a relatively large tree in a single position. The small-growing species are also not suitable as hedge plants, as they usually grow as single shoots and can hardly be stimulated to branch out even when cut.
When should you cut a Gleditschie?
Gleditschia should not be cut in spring to avoid excessive bleeding. Light pruning can be done in summer, while heavier pruning should be done in the leafless period, preferably until the end of March. Wound closure agent for treating interfaces is recommended.
In this country the Gleditschie rarely grows taller than 10-15 meters, while in its homeland it can reach heights of up to 30 meters. The German name for the Gleditschia is Lederhülsenbaum because it produces strikingly large, hanging legumes that are edible. Gleditsia triacanthos forms thorns about 15 cm long or entire tufts of thorns on its trunk and on the older branches. These can be easily cut off without causing any damage to the tree.
How and when can the Gleditschie be cut?
The Gleditschias grow quite quickly as young trees, up to about 1 meter per year, later more slowly. This is desirable as park or street trees. There they are usually cut pyramidally. If you want to keep the growth of the Gleditschie a little more compact, you should cut the top of the pyramid a little blunter so that the tree no longer grows upwards as much and instead becomes wider. The shoots below the branch can be broken off. New shoots can develop from this, which serve for further branching.
Pruning should not be done in spring when the sap increases, as the tree then tends to bleed heavily. If necessary, light pruning can be done over the summer. Severe pruning may only be carried out in the leafless period when the plant is at rest. The cutting work should be completed by the end of March. It is recommended to apply a wound closure agent to the larger incision sites (€24.00 on Amazon).
Tip
There are also small Gleditschia varieties, such as Elegantissima or Globosa, which do not exceed a height of 4-6 meters and are therefore also suitable for smaller home gardens.
