Some plants need to be pruned more, others less frequently and/or radically. The chestnut is one of the trees that should be pruned as little as possible. Some gardening experts even advise against it altogether. What matters, however, is the condition of your sweet chestnut.
How do I cut a chestnut correctly?
Chestnuts should be pruned as little as possible to prevent pests and diseases. For bare-root plants, it is advisable to cut them back immediately after planting. Otherwise, only remove diseased, dead or disturbing shoots - always with clean and sharp tools.
An important reason to avoid any unnecessary cutting is the dreaded chestnut bark cancer. The fungus responsible for this can penetrate the tree through cuts or injuries in the bark. This cancer has wiped out many trees, but has now become “treatable.”
Clean tools help ensure that pruned trees remain he althy. The cut should result in a harmonious overall picture and remove dead and/or diseased branches, but also so-called water shoots.
When is a cut necessary?
The chestnut does not need annual pruning, as you probably know from your fruit trees. Some trees can survive practically without cutting. Occasionally, a sweet chestnut needs its first pruning when planting, which makes it easier for it to grow evenly. However, pruning is really important when pests and/or diseases occur.
How do I prune my sweet chestnut when planting?
If you bought your chestnut in a container, the plant does not need to be pruned immediately. The same applies to a bare-root chestnut. Here the roots were cut back in the tree nursery before being sold. To ensure a good supply of water and nutrients to the entire tree, you should shorten all shoots by about a third immediately after planting.
How can I make cutting easier?
Pay attention to the growth of your chestnut even when the young plant is growing. The main trunk should definitely be he althy and stable. If the chestnut grows in the desired direction right from the start, possibly supported by small corrections, then hardly any pruning is necessary. Only smaller branches should be thinned out from time to time. Only cut shoots that are less than five centimeters in diameter.
The most important things in brief:
- cut back bare-rooted sweet chestnuts when planting
- otherwise cut as little as possible
- Always use clean and sharp tools - Attention: chestnut bark cancer!
Tip
Injuries and cuts can be entry points for pests and pathogens, so you should prune your chestnut as little as possible.
