Hardly any tree is as easy to cut as the plane tree. This leads many owners to sometimes “extremely” trim their crown. Whether the plane tree's ability to recover well justifies this remains to be discussed. These are the possible procedures for crown pruning.
How do I perform a crown pruning on a plane tree?
When pruning the crown of a plane tree, you should proceed when the vegetation is dormant (October to February): leave the main shoots standing, correct the branch routing, thin out densely packed branches and remove dead or diseased shoots. Roof plane trees require additional shaping cuts in summer.
Plane tree: fast growing and malleable
The growth of the plane tree can be up to 70 cm per year. In this way, it quickly recovers the plant material lost through cutting. This is seen as a clear recommendation for regular and strong cuts. Their crown is particularly fond of being shaped into a roof. But in a sufficiently large space, the plane tree can develop freely without the frequent use of scissors.
The course for the future crown is laid in the first few years through appropriate cuts. Roof plane trees are sold pre-formed in tree nurseries, making the necessary maintenance cuts easier for laypeople.
Plane trees with a natural crown shape
Even with a plane tree whose crown can be shaped by nature, it must be cared for through regular cuts. Prune when necessary and only during dormancy in the months of October to February. The day should be dry and frost-free so that the wounds can heal faster. Using a disinfected, sharp tool, do the following:
- Leave the main shoots standing, only shorten them a little if necessary
- Remove branches that do not match the direction of growth
- thin out disturbing, densely packed branches
- completely remove dead or possibly diseased shoots
Tip
Cutting off the lower branches in summer can promote height growth. However, the main shoot must remain untouched.
Shaping a roof plane tree
A plane tree growing in the garden can replace the parasol. Because its crown can be cleverly cut into a roof shape. If the specimen you are planting is not already properly trained, follow these steps:
- choose a newly grown plane tree
- cut the top part
- remove all vertical branches
- build a horizontal trellis made of bamboo sticks
- fasten in the crown
- weave horizontal branches into it
Annual maintenance cuts
Get the roof plane tree in shape before June 24th and the end of August:
- Do not touch the main shoots
- remove vertical new growth up to the main branch
- Tie side branches flat or thin them out (if there are too many)
