Many garden owners believe that a tree's growth height can be limited by radical crown pruning or even topping. Some people are also under the misconception that such an intervention would increase the stability of the tree and contribute to its he alth. The opposite is the case.
How do you properly carry out crown pruning on trees?
Crown pruning on trees should be done carefully in order to preserve the natural shape and not weaken the tree. Only remove weak, diseased or dead branches and a maximum of a quarter of the thin branches to allow sufficient photosynthesis.
Don’t cut trees
Trees, whether deciduous or coniferous, should never be cut or radically stripped of their natural crown. Such an approach leaves serious problems that can lead to the death of the tree over time. These include
Lack of supply options
If a tree is deprived of many leaves, it can no longer supply itself with sufficient nutrients. He starves, which in turn leads to weakness and increased susceptibility to disease and pest infestation. Wood-decaying fungi that penetrate through large wounds are particularly dangerous.
Instability
After the crown has been pruned, the tree will try to restore the balance between the roots and the crown. This happens through the growth of many shoots reaching vertically upwards, which compete with each other and make the tree unstable due to their weight and possible rot. Furthermore, the trimmed tree develops a large mass of leaves in order to continue to maintain the supply.
Perform the crown cut carefully
For these reasons, planned topping or severe crown pruning should be avoided; nothing good will ever come of it for the tree. Quite apart from the disadvantages mentioned, this measure destroys the natural habit of the tree. If the tree is too large for its current location, you can try transplanting it instead - with the appropriate planning and the right know-how, you will have more success.
Basic rules
Nevertheless, gentle pruning can make sense for some trees from time to time, for example to maintain a certain shape. You should keep the following basics in mind:
- Never cut more than is absolutely necessary.
- If possible, only remove weak, diseased or dead branches.
- Shoots that are too close together or grow crosswise can also be removed.
- Never remove more than a quarter of the thin branches.
- This is where most of the leaves are. If they are gone, the tree cannot carry out sufficient photosynthesis.
- The tree tries to compensate for every pruning by increasing new growth.
- So cut at the right time of year and not too often.
Tip
When buying a tree, always pay attention to the specified expected final height and the expected growth width. This information is a good indication of whether the tree fits in the intended location or not.