With age, the trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) grows into a majestic-looking deciduous tree that offers a wonderful sight with its large, heart-shaped leaves and lush white flowers. However, it makes sense to prune from time to time, especially to rejuvenate the tree and counteract possible baldness. Pruning also makes sense if the trumpet tree takes up too much space and should therefore be trimmed. Two specific dates per year have proven to be particularly favorable for such a measure.
When should the trumpet tree be cut?
The ideal time to prune a trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is either in early spring before budding or in August. August offers the benefit of wound healing, milder temperatures and no impact on next year's flower buds.
Two possible editing dates
The trumpet tree should be cut back either in early spring - that is, before the actual budding - or in August. Other times of the year are unsuitable. Pruning in spring or when the tree is blooming makes little sense due to the increased risk of bleeding and thus infection (after all, the tree is fully in its “juice” at this point in time); pruning in autumn or winter weakens it in the cold season anyway battered tree even more. Both editing dates have their own special advantages and disadvantages.
Why pruning in August is preferable
August is generally the ideal time for pruning. The reason for this is as follows: The trumpet tree lays the flower buds for the next year's flowers in autumn, so these would fall victim to a cut in spring and the flowers would not be as lush as usual. To prevent flower failure, simply postpone any pruning measures to a time when the buds have not yet formed. Another advantage of the August date is the simple fact that the trumpet tree simply copes better with pruning on a warm and sunny day.
Benefits of August pruning at a glance
- You can prune your trumpet tree on a warm, dry day.
- The milder August weather promotes wound healing.
- The tree is not further affected by possible late frosts.
- The tree, already weakened by the winter, is not burdened by a cut
- which can delay new growth even further in spring.
- You don't cut away any flower buds and so don't affect next year's blooms.
Tip
To propagate the trumpet tree through cuttings, cut half-woody head cuttings about 15 centimeters long after flowering.