Every plant needs a topiary every now and then. This means that your jaw should also be given a good treatment at certain intervals. There are numerous reasons for cutting back branches. Each purpose of a pruning requires a different technique. The following guide will provide you with comprehensive information in which situation you should prune your jaws and what you need to pay attention to.
When and how do I cut a pine tree correctly?
When cutting pine trees, the ideal time is in winter to minimize sap loss. Cut disturbing branches to inhibit growth, cut diseased branches in case of fungal infection or promote branching in bonsai pines. Use sharp scissors and, if at great heights, a sturdy ladder.
Different types of pruning
Pruning a pine tree may be necessary for several reasons:
- to inhibit growth
- if the jaw is affected by disease
- to create or maintain a bonsai shape
Inhibiting growth
In the wild, pines reach heights of over 50 meters. While growth per year initially increases relatively slowly, the conifer grows in height more quickly as it ages. If it comes too close to buildings, it is important to shorten its branches. Pruning also serves to prevent property damage or even personal injury caused by falling branches during storms. To do this, thin out the crown by removing disturbing branches. The pruning can be done radically. However, you should be aware that cutting back changes the growth habit. The jaw becomes bulbier and rounder. Once you have carried out such pruning, you must continue it annually.
Pruning for diseases
Is your pine tree suddenly getting brown needles? A fungal infection could be to blame. Two species of such a pest are common in Europe:
- the pine chute
- and the death of instincts
In both cases, it is necessary to protect the pine tree from total death by completely cutting back affected branches.
Pruning the pine trees for bonsai
Maybe you just have a balcony instead of a garden. However, you don't have to give up keeping a pine tree. In bonsai form, the conifer takes up hardly any space, even in the smallest area. Regular cutting then promotes branching and maintains the small growth habit.
This is what you need to pay attention to
The point in time
It's best to prune your pine trees in winter. This will prevent too much juice from escaping the interfaces. The jaw can then recover better from the radical cut.
The tool
With the right equipment, cutting a pine tree is much easier. For an old pine tree, due to its enormous height, you need a high, stable ladder to reach the branches in the crown. You should definitely use sharp scissors. With blunt models there is a risk that you will not cut through the branches cleanly, but rather crush them. This leads to more serious injuries from which the jaw has difficulty recovering.
