Many trees in the garden need little or no pruning, with the exception of fruit trees. The tulip tree doesn't necessarily need regular pruning either. However, sometimes pruning is necessary to maintain the he alth of the tree.
How do I properly prune a tulip tree?
A tulip tree should be pruned regularly and carefully to avoid radical pruning. Remove wilted flowers and diseased and dried branches immediately. Also cut off inwardly growing shoots and water shoots. Carry out the cut in summer.
How do I prune a tulip tree that is too large?
The tulip tree doesn't grow exactly slowly and can reach 30 or 40 meters tall. Accordingly, it needs a lot of space. You should consider this when planting, because the tulip tree doesn't like to be transplanted. It has very sensitive roots that should not be injured.
If it is foreseeable that your tulip tree will become too large for the chosen location and cannot be transplanted, then you should start carefully pruning it as soon as possible. The younger the tree, the better it tolerates pruning. In spring, carefully trim the crown of your tulip tree into shape without cutting off too much. Larger cuts can be sealed with a special wax (€11.00 on Amazon).
Tips for careful pruning
It's best to prune your young tulip tree regularly, then no radical pruning is necessary. Always do this carefully and don't cut too much. Always cut off wilted flowers immediately, as well as diseased or dried branches. How to prevent the spread of disease.
If young shoots get in each other's way too much, cut some of them off. The same applies to shoots that grow too inward and so-called water shoots. Ideally, you do this regularly and only have to prune thin shoots. This reduces the risk of injury and does not harm the tulip tree. This cut is best done in the summer.
The most important things in brief:
- does not tolerate radical cuts
- reacts very sensitively to cuts
- easy topiary possible
- cut off wilted flowers
- remove diseased branches
How do I prune a tulip magnolia?
A tulip magnolia, often referred to as a tulip tree, is much easier to cut than a so-called real tulip tree. It remains naturally smaller with a maximum height of five to eight meters. With its bush-like, compact growth, it is also suitable as an eye-catcher for smaller gardens or lawns. Tulip magnolias do not grow as quickly as the American or Chinese tulip tree and bloom significantly earlier.
If your tulip magnolia gets too big or gets out of shape, then you can use secateurs without worrying. With targeted pruning, you can shape the crown to your liking or keep the tulip magnolia at the ideal size for you. With this cut, too, first remove water shoots and diseased branches.
Tip
Cut a shoot that already has buds, then place it in a vase. With a bit of luck, the flowers will open at room temperature.
