Cotoneasters bred as standard stems attract attention with their striking shape. But the fast-growing trees quickly tend to grow into a shrub shape. With the right background knowledge, cutting is child's play.
When and how should I cut my loquat high stem?
When and how should you cut a loquat tree? After flowering, loquats should be cut by October at the latest to avoid frost damage. Choose an overcast, dry day and use sharp, disinfected pruning shears. Remove drooping, protruding branches, balding shoots and those growing close to the ground to maintain the globular crown.
The perfect time
Basically, you should cut the standard stem after flowering by October at the latest. A later cut carries the risk of frost damaging the fresh cuts. Pruning measures in spring endanger flower development because the plant only develops its flower buds in autumn.
Choose an overcast and dry day for the care measure. In rainy weather there is a risk that moisture will penetrate the wood and damage the shoot. Weather that is too sunny increases evaporation and the plant quickly finds itself in stressful situations. If the shrub sprouts too much during the year, you can shorten these shoots at any time. Cut the branches back to the next bud.
Procedure
The rapid growth of many loquats ensures that their aesthetic shape is quickly lost. The bushes tend to have a shrub-like growth. With a topiary you can preserve the grown crown. Remove any drooping or protruding branches that destroy the spherical shape of the crown. Bald branches are cut off directly at the trunk.
Pay attention to whether the plant has already developed flower buds on the branches. These should not be completely removed, otherwise the shrub will no longer bloom profusely. Cut off shoots that grow from the main trunk near the ground.
Tips for proper cutting
Use sharp garden or pruning shears for the cut (€76.00 on Amazon). Disinfect the blade beforehand with spirit, alcohol or tea tree oil. Alternatively, boiling water can be used to remove viruses, bacteria and fungal spores from the blade. When pruning, be careful of the thorns that many varieties develop on the branches.
So you are perfectly equipped:
- cut older branches with pruning shears
- shorten young shoots with rose scissors
- Wear gloves and long clothing
When pruning, make sure that the branches do not tear. Cuts are entry points for pathogens. If larger cuts have occurred, you can cover them with a wound closure agent. Commercially available products also have a disinfecting effect. They kill pathogens and fungi.
