When is the right time to prune tea trees?

Tea tree pruning

Pruning tea trees can break the balance between the growth of the aboveground and underground parts, allowing the aboveground part to develop according to the requirements of a high-yield, high-quality tea tree crown, which can increase yield and quality, promptly prune diseased and insect-infested branches, increase ventilation and light transmission inside the plant, and reduce the spread of bacteria.

Tea tree pruning time

Tea trees are suitable for pruning in spring, specifically in early March each year. At this time, pruning can quickly take root. Generally, pruning once a year is sufficient. Tea tree pruning propagation is best done in early June.

Tea tree pruning method

1. Seedling stage

   Tea trees can be topped and pinched many times during the seedling period. When the tea seedlings grow to 20 cm in height, pinching and topping are carried out to make them sprout more branches. When the plant height reaches more than 30 cm, the top buds above 25 cm and the longer side buds can be cut off. Pruning can be done several times a year.

2. Middle Age

   Pruning of tea trees in their prime can be divided into light pruning and deep pruning. Light pruning is mainly to adjust the crown, promote the growth of side branches, and expand the crown width. If there are many chicken claw branches on the tea tree, the buds and leaves are thin and the growth is weak, heavy pruning is required to cut off a layer of branches and leaves 10-15 cm above the crown.

3. Aging

   Semi-aged tea trees still have a certain ability to sprout, and can be rejuvenated by heavy pruning. Generally, half of the crown is cut off. Very old tea trees find it difficult to sprout and grow, and it is difficult to increase the yield even with sufficient fertilizer. They can be pruned, and all the branches are cut off about 15 cm from the ground.

Notes on pruning tea trees

During the growth period of the tea tree, it is necessary to promptly prune dead and old branches, weak branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, crossed branches, stacked branches, excessive branches, etc. to increase ventilation and light transmittance, so that the plant can thrive inside and shape a beautiful tree.