Whether as a standard tree, as a bonsai or as a small tree - the sweetgum tree looks simply stunningly beautiful when it receives the right amount of attention in the form of care. What role does cutting play?
Do you have to cut a sweetgum tree?
Pruning a sweetgum tree is not absolutely necessary as it naturally has attractive growth. If necessary, old, bald, crossing, inward or downward-facing as well as diseased or damaged shoots can be removed in autumn.
Cutting – not absolutely necessary
You can remain calm because: You don't necessarily have to cut your sweetgum tree. This tree naturally has an attractive and harmoniously structured growth. A round to cone-shaped crown forms. While the crown is still narrow when young, it later becomes increasingly egg-shaped in most varieties.
Things to cut out
But under certain circumstances, pruning makes sense. As part of care and less with the intention of shaping, you should cut your sweetgum tree with pruning shears (€39.00 on Amazon) or a saw when you see the following shoots:
- old and bald
- crossing each other
- inward facing
- growing downwards
- sick
- damaged (e.g. by squalls, lightning strikes, etc.)
The right time to cut
As with most other trees, autumn is the perfect time to cut the sweetgum tree. Alternatively, early spring is a good time. But in general you should prefer autumn. In spring (around April) it is ideal to cut off shoots that have frozen in winter. You can recognize such shoots because they do not produce leaves.
A summer cut is also possible
If necessary, pruning can even be done in summer. However, this should only be the case if the side branches of the sweetgum tree hang too low and are therefore annoying. They can be removed between June and August. You should apply a wound treatment to larger wounds so that no pathogens can penetrate there!
Use clippings for propagation
The clippings don't have to end up in the compost! You can use the one- and two-year-old shoots for propagation. The key word is: cuttings. This should be noted:
- 10 to 15 cm long
- possess at least 3 buds
- put in potting soil
- place in a cool location (5 to 12 °C)
- plant out in spring
- For young trees, cutting wood is also possible in July
Can a proper pruning be tolerated?
The sweetgum tree tolerates pruning so well that you can cut it back more. This may become necessary, for example, if it is too large. It usually grows up to 4 m wide. More rarely, the crown reaches a diameter of up to 8 m.
If the tree is too big and, for example, already extends into the neighboring property, cut it back in autumn! At the same time, you can, if necessary, thin it out in the crown area. He then goes through well again.
Tip
The sweetgum tree 'Gumball' naturally has a spherical crown and therefore does not need any topiary. Perfect as an ornamental tree in a solitary stand!