The cold season is a dormant period for many plants. Although plants should be cared for all year round, the period between November and February is ideal for winter pruning.
In this gardening tip, we reveal helpful tips for perfect winter pruning.
Why should plants be pruned right now?
Depending on the species, these green darlings can be pruned all year round. During the cold winter months, they are dormant. There is also no foliage, which makes the necessary pruning easier. We recommend winter pruning, especially for woody plants, fruit trees and ornamental trees. This allows the plants to sprout more vigorously again.
The right tools and general tips
Well-maintained and particularly sharp pruning tools are essential for clean and flawless winter pruning. Pruning shears and folding saws for the thicker branches make the work easier and are easy on your own muscles. It is also advisable to wear protective gloves.
Although the name "winter pruning" already refers to the colder months, you should still pay attention to the outside temperature. At low temperatures, the wood splinters more easily and subsequently heals poorly. For this reason, it is not recommended to prune at temperatures below -6°C.
All shoots that are diseased, injured or rotten should be pruned back to healthy wood. This can be recognized by the greenish-white inner colouring. There is also no danger that the shoots will not grow back, as weak pruning leads to weak new shoots. The more vigorous the winter pruning, the more vigorous the subsequent shoots will be.
Winter pruning of ornamental shrubs for the habitus
Pruning is necessary to maintain the habit, i.e. the growth habit, of ornamental shrubs. Pruning has two objectives: It promotes growth and keeps individual shrubs that sprout too much in check.
Young ornamental trees are trained into an appropriate shape right from the start by pruning them regularly. Annual winter pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and abundant flowering.
Winter pruning of fruit trees for fruit formation
To maintain the balance between fruit formation and shoot growth in fruit trees, we recommend annual winter pruning. This contributes to the fruitfulness of the trees. Pruning before the spring awakening, in February and March, is ideal.
Thinning out the tree crown also has advantages. The wood can dry better after rain, which prevents fungal infections. In addition, the increased incidence of light through the open crown enhances the color, taste and vitamin content of the fruit.
The professionals for garden maintenance
For years, we have been redesigning gardens and beautifying them according to the wishes of our customers. But after every design, regular maintenance is also required. Our maintenance team passionately looks after these oases of well-being and makes sure they are properly pruned in winter. Contact us now for your individual garden service. We look forward to getting to know you and your outdoor living space.
