The common trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is a deciduous deciduous tree that grows up to 18 meters high and has a sea of white, bell-shaped and very large flowers in June / July. But even outside the flowering period, the sprawling tree is an ornamental thanks to its large, heart-shaped leaves. Fortunately, the trumpet tree cannot be confused with the similar-sounding angel trumpet! – cut back very well.
When and how should you prune a trumpet tree?
The trumpet tree should be cut back either in early spring before the first shoots or in August directly after flowering. When pruning, dead and dense shoots should be removed and the crown should be thinned out to promote he althy growth.
Trumpet tree is very tolerant of pruning
The trumpet tree not only tolerates vigorous pruning very well, it is also recommended, especially for young trees. Through regular, shaping cutting, young trumpet trees develop a beautiful, expansive and lush crown, and they also develop more and larger leaves due to the increased shoot growth. Older trees should be rejuvenated regularly by removing old and dead wood in favor of young, fresh shoots. This measure prevents the tree from gradually becoming bald.
The optimal time
There are two possible dates for pruning, both of which have specific advantages and disadvantages. It is usually recommended to cut the trumpet tree in early spring - before the first shoots. However, you must do this very carefully, otherwise you will deprive yourself of the beautiful summer blossoms. Trumpet trees form their flower buds for the following year in the previous autumn - and pruning them in spring carries the risk that the flowers will then fail. Instead, it is also possible to cut directly after flowering and before buds form again, i.e. in August. This date is also more suitable because Catalpa should be pruned on a warm and dry day if possible.
Prune trumpet tree properly
When cutting, it is not enough to simply cut back all the shoots. You will quickly regret such a measure because the trumpet tree will most likely develop unsightly spider veins. It is better to proceed against this according to the following scheme:
- First the crown is thinned out.
- Dead shoots and shoots that are too close together are cut off directly at the base.
- Don't leave stubs!
- Now cut inwards and cross-growing shoots.
- All vertically growing water shoots are also removed.
- Stronger branches are first removed with a saw,
- then the wound is smoothed with a knife
- and treated with a wound closure agent (€24.00 on Amazon).
Only work with sharp and disinfected cutting tools, otherwise bacterial or fungicidal pathogens can penetrate through the now open wounds and cause great damage.
Why dare to prune a pollard tree?
A so-called top tree pruning - also called de-topping - always makes sense if the trumpet tree is damaged by a storm or frost.a fungal disease can no longer be saved in any other way. You can either cut the crown down to a few main branches or even just down to the trunk. However, after such a measure you will need a lot of patience until a new crown has formed again. By the way, the leaves then sprout much larger and more lush.
Tip
In contrast to its big brother, the dwarf spherical trumpet tree should not be cut in order not to impair the naturally growing spherical shape.
