The plane tree grows quickly and tolerates pruning. These two points have a significant influence on the necessary cutting measures. But the owner of the plane tree doesn't have any freedom of choice either, because he decides on the shape of the crown.
How do you cut a plane tree correctly?
When pruning a sycamore tree, you should prune twice a year, before June 24th and the end of August, depending on the shape you want. Completely remove vertical new shoots, guide side shoots horizontally and do not cut main branches. Make sure you have sharp, clean tools and wear a face mask.
Cultivation without education
Theoretically, all plane tree species are allowed to grow freely without pruning. But as they get older, they develop into impressive trees with sprawling crowns.
If the tree has enough space in its location, cutting can be limited to removing dead and broken branches.
Shape the crown in a targeted manner
The plane tree's good pruning tolerance has led to its crown being specifically shaped, especially in smaller home gardens. The basis is often an already trained tree from the nursery, whose shape the ongoing pruning measures must be based on. The most popular is training a roof plane tree. Not only does it look attractive, but it also offers a shady place for a table and chairs. Raising them to become a high-stem is also possible.
Tools and aids
Plane trees grow very large over time. To access all the branches, you need to climb a tall ladder. This should have a secure footing. Depending on the thickness of the branches, pruning shears and pruning shears (€115.00 on Amazon) are suitable as cutting tools. The roof plane tree can also be easily cut with hedge trimmers.
The tool should be sharp and clean so that they leave smooth and clean cutting surfaces. This promotes rapid healing and thus prevents the penetration of fungal pathogens.
Tip
Wear a mask when cutting leafy plane trees. The leaves have fine hairs that break off and can be inhaled. This can lead to allergies in sensitive people.
Cutting a plane tree roof
The first cut involves cutting off the top of the tree and removing all vertical branches. The side branches are tied horizontally to a previously erected bamboo framework or intertwined with it. Cutting the roof shape follows these rules:
- cut twice a year
- before June 24th and end of August
- completely remove vertical new shoots
- guide side shoots horizontally
- Do not cut main branches
Tip
Summer pruning should not be done in the blazing sun. It is better to cut on an overcast day.
Thinning out the high trunk
If you want to free a tree from annoying branches or even cut the tree back radically, you should wait until it is dormant for the winter. In the summer, too much leaf mass might be removed, which the tree urgently needs to build up strength reserves. The months of January and February are ideal. The area should be dry and frost-free.
Other cutting measures
You can remove dry and broken branches at any time. This also applies to cutting shoot tips that suffer from fungal infestation.
Very large trees are difficult to reach, even with a simple ladder. A specialist company that has the appropriate equipment can be commissioned to do the cutting.
