In principle, there is a lot to do in the garden all year round, even in winter. The cold season is exactly the right time to cut back all the trees. But be careful: Not every tree can tolerate winter pruning, and it's better to leave the scissors or saw in the workshop when it's frosty.
Is it advisable to prune trees in frost?
Trees should not be cut during frost as this can destroy their delicate cold protection system and increase the risk of frostbite, breakage and fungal growth. It is ideal to cut them at temperatures above minus five degrees Celsius and in dry conditions.
Cutting fruit trees in winter
Depending on the growth and flowering behavior, trees are cut either in spring, after flowering, in autumn or in winter. Fruit trees in particular should be pruned heavily between January and February, as this period promotes the development of fruit wood. In principle, pruning is also possible in autumn, but shortening in autumn tends to encourage the tree to grow more quickly - which in turn hinders fruit formation. Therefore, winter pruning is better if you want to hope for a rich harvest.
When to prune in winter – and when not to do so
However, just looking at the calendar is not enough to choose the right time. You also have to wait for the right weather conditions, because cutting is not allowed in frost, snow or rain. A day is ideal when
- it is warmer than minus five degrees Celsius
- it is dry and calm
- the sun is hidden behind clouds
- no snow
The problem with cutting in frosty temperatures is that it can destroy a tree's sensitive cold protection system. The branches and twigs are surrounded by an insulating bark, which consists of two layers: the outer bark provides a shield from the outside, while the cambrian underneath protects the inside of the tree from the cold. If the tree is cut, the exposed wounds risk freezing and the affected branches/twigs can become brittle. This in turn hinders he althy new growth in spring and promotes the growth of fungi.
Catching up the winter pruning
If winter pruning is not possible due to unfavorable temperatures, you can do it again. When is the best time to do this depends on the tree species. However, you should cut during the budding/growth phase, as wounds now close better.
Tip
Recent research has shown that the previously common practice of closing cuts is counterproductive and actually achieves the opposite of what is actually intended to be achieved. Fungal diseases spread faster and wounds take longer to close.
