How to prune hawthorn trees? Pruning methods and diagrams

Hawthorn tree pruning time

The pruning of hawthorn trees is mainly in winter and supplemented in summer. Hawthorn trees need to be shaped and pruned every year, mainly after the leaves fall in winter. Timely pruning can keep the crown symmetrical and the branches appropriately dense, which is conducive to ventilation and light transmission, and improves the yield and quality of the fruit.

Hawthorn tree pruning method

1. Winter pruning

Hawthorn trees are mainly pruned in winter. The dense branches on the outside should be cut off. Otherwise, the inside will not get sunlight and will easily die. Therefore, thinning should be carried out. At the same time, old branches should also be pruned. Old branches are often some long and drooping branches. Their yield is very small and they need to be renewed. Do not use the shortening method in winter pruning, otherwise the number of flower buds will be reduced.

2. Spring pruning

Hawthorn trees can be pruned around March in spring, which is a supplement to winter pruning. Pruning should not be too heavy, otherwise it will lose a lot of nutrients. Appropriate pruning at this time can promote the growth of branches.

3. Summer pruning

Hawthorn trees can have some new branches pruned in the summer. If they hinder internal ventilation and light transmission, they should be cut off in time. They should also be topped and pinched to promote the formation of flower buds. Ring barking should be performed on the auxiliary branches to effectively preserve the nutrients on the branches.

4. Autumn pruning

When pruning hawthorn trees in autumn, you only need to cut off some branches and leaves that hinder growth. There is no need for excessive or heavy pruning. This is the time to accumulate nutrients and produce fruit. Heavy pruning will result in fewer and smaller fruits.