How to prune hawthorn trees

When to prune hawthorn trees

Hawthorn trees need to be pruned all year round. In winter, the dense outer branches need to be cut off. Spring is a supplement to winter pruning, which requires appropriate shortening to promote branch growth. New branches need to be pruned in summer. Autumn pruning is the same as spring pruning and should not be too heavy.

If you want to use the pruned branches of the hawthorn tree for cuttings, you need to cut the branches into about 12-15 cm, prepare a sand bed for cuttings, then insert the cut branches into it, and press the soil tightly so that the roots can fit the soil better.

Hawthorn tree pruning

Pruning hawthorn trees in winter mainly involves cutting off the outer branches, as well as trimming some long and drooping branches. Pruning in spring is mainly a supplement to winter pruning, and appropriate shortening can promote branch growth.

In summer, the main work is to prune some new branches that hinder internal ventilation and light transmission. At the same time, the branches should be pinched to promote the formation of flower buds. Autumn pruning is the same as spring pruning, and only some branches and leaves that hinder growth need to be pruned.

Hawthorn tree pruning

In order to shape the hawthorn tree, it is necessary to prune it at different times. Shaping pruning is required in the young tree stage. In the initial fruiting period, in addition to building a good tree shape, the tree must also be pruned to cultivate various types of fruiting branches. The tree shape should continue to be cultivated and trimmed during the peak fruiting period.

Hawthorn Tree Pruning Tips

Pruning of hawthorn trees is mainly for shaping. Pruning the main branches of the plant, adjusting the growth direction and angle of the main branches, laying the foundation for fruiting. Young trees within 3 years of the growth period should be heavily pruned, and branches should not be thinned out.

Hawthorn tree pruning and flowering

If you want the hawthorn tree to bloom, you need to prune it properly, focusing on cutting off the messy branches, drooping branches, dry branches and diseased and insect-infested branches inside the crown. Young trees should be shaped mainly, and on the premise of retaining the main trunk, the branches should be spread out to improve ventilation and light conditions.

Hawthorn tree pruning results in more fruits

After the hawthorn tree enters the fruiting period, all the new shoots that grow fully, including the top bud and the 1-4 buds below it, can differentiate into flower buds. Therefore, the pruning method should be used less frequently in hawthorn pruning to protect the flower buds.

Hawthorn tree pruning precautions

Hawthorn trees should grow more strong branches to expand the crown and increase the flowering rate to achieve the purpose of early fruiting. The main and side branches should be appropriately shortened, and moderate branches with moderate growth should be left with growth space to increase the number of branches and fruit set of fruit trees. Branches that are too dense or that will compete with the main branches for nutrients should be appropriately thinned out.