Soon after planting a tree, the question of pruning arises. Because omissions cannot always be easily corrected afterwards. In the case of the bee tree, its numerous flowers are the goal of the effort. What effect does cutting have?
When and how should you prune a bee tree?
When cutting bee trees, the necessity and frequency of cutting depends on the desired shape. As a solitary tree, light pruning in spring is sufficient; As a shrub, spring and summer pruning is recommended; In loose hedges, cuts are required in autumn after flowering.
Thumbs up for cutting tolerance
Right away: The bee tree, which also goes by the common name velvet-haired stink ash, doesn't mind heavy pruning. It is consistently good for cutting. It even sprouts vigorously from old wood.
The only question is whether cutting is even necessary. It depends on where you plant the specimen and what shape it should take or what size it can reach.
Solitaires with lots of space
A stinky ash tree that has enough space in its location to develop freely in all directions does not require any pruning in order to bloom magnificently. Occasionally, however, light maintenance cuts may be necessary.
- pruning in spring
- when the big frosts are over
- remove frozen shoot tips
Tip
Even if the tree develops a very sprawling crown, you can occasionally cut away he althy branches in the spring.
Stinky ash as a shrub
A bee tree is often grown from seeds. Or it migrates into the garden as a tiny tree because these are offered comparatively cheaply. That's why his owner still has every scope to train him into a desired shape.
The stinky ash is therefore very often found as a flowering shrub. In addition to the spring pruning, the shrub is cut a second time.
- prune something in summer
- this encourages bushy branches
Occasional radical cuts
If it is necessary to radically shorten the bush, there is nothing to stop it. You just have to be prepared for it not to bloom the following year.
Train stinky ash as a hedge
Stink trees that grow as a shrub can fit into loose hedges. Their growth is limited in the fall after flowering. This gives the wounds enough time to heal completely until winter.
But the stinky ash is less suitable for a very formal hedge. The heavy pruning required every year would almost completely rob it of its beautiful flowers. And that's exactly why we and the nectar-seeking bees love this shrub so much.
