How to prune Ligustrum lucidum

When to prune Ligustrum lucidum

Ligustrum lucidum has a strong growth ability and can be pruned all year round. As long as there are yellow leaves or dead branches on the plant that are growing poorly, they can be cut off in time to ensure that they can grow smoothly.

Pruning branches and leaves of Ligustrum lucidum

The seedlings of Ligustrum lucidum grow quickly, and the root sprouts should be wiped off several times. When the seedlings grow more than 2 meters, the trunk should be fixed at a height of 2 to 2.2 meters. After the trunk is fixed, only the 3-4 buds sprouting from the top should be retained to allow them to grow and form the future crown.

If the height of a few Ligustrum lucidum seedlings is less than 2m, they should be pruned back at the full buds in the middle and upper parts of the seedlings in late February to early March of the following year, leaving only the best branches growing on the top, and all the remaining branches and buds should be removed.

If the Ligustrum lucidum seedlings do not grow well in the current year, most of them will be 1~1.5m in height. Before the seedlings sprout in the second year, all 3~4 leaves at the base should be cut flat. When the sprouts grow to about 5cm, choose one sprout and remove the rest. When the seedlings grow to more than 2m, immediately carry out trunk trimming and sprout removal.

Pruning tips for Ligustrum lucidum

The summer pruning of Ligustrum lucidum is mainly to shorten the competing branches of the main branches on the central trunk, continuously weakening its growth momentum. In the winter pruning of the second year, the branches of the central trunk will be extended, but the direction of the buds will be opposite to that of the first year. The winter pruning of the third year is also similar to that of a few years ago.

After the trunk of the Ligustrum lucidum seedlings is fixed, when the branches left on the top grow to about 1m, the branches should be pinched to promote the sprouting of secondary branches, accelerate the formation of a full crown, increase the amount of branches and leaves, and accelerate the growth of branches.

Precautions for pruning Ligustrum lucidum

When pruning in summer, pay attention to the main competing branches of the main trunk. When pruning in winter next year, you can shorten the extension branches of the main trunk. When pruning in the third year, you can do the same as before, but prune appropriately according to the growth of the plant.