Buzz
Pruning a hawthorn tree can feel like a battle, as its long, sharp thorns seem to resist your efforts. Hawthorns are hardy shrubs that can be shaped into hedges, and they also produce stunning clusters of bright orange berries that enhance the visual appeal of any landscape. Fear not—pruning a hawthorn tree is quite manageable with the right tools and techniques.
Steps
Can hawthorn trees withstand heavy pruning?
Yes, but light pruning is usually sufficient. While hawthorn trees are incredibly resilient and can recover vigorously even after severe pruning, it’s rarely necessary to cut them back heavily. Ideally, you should lightly trim and shape the hawthorn in spring to encourage new growth. By summer, a gentle pruning can help remove shoots that hinder fruit ripening.
Hawthorn trees can withstand nearly complete pruning. Hawthorns are incredibly resilient plants. You can cut their branches back significantly, and they will sprout new growth from the base. Therefore, if you truly need to prune heavily, you can do so without worrying about killing the tree.
How do you prune an overgrown hawthorn tree?
Wear gloves, long pants, and long sleeves to protect your skin. Hawthorns have long, sharp thorns that can pierce the skin, which is partly why they make excellent hedge plants. Scratches from the thorns can also cause redness and itching. If you plan to prune extensively, wear thick gloves, long pants, and long sleeves to avoid scratches.
Use sterilized hand pruners to remove dead or diseased shoots. Regardless of the pruning tool you use, spray it with a disinfectant to eliminate pathogens or fungi that could harm the hawthorn, then wipe it dry with a paper towel. Look for blackened or dried shoots and cut them at the base to remove them and encourage healthy new growth.
You can also trim shoots that overshadow berry clusters. If you want the hawthorn berries to receive more sunlight and thrive, trim the tops of side shoots that cover the fruit clusters. Hawthorn berries exposed to more sunlight will ripen and turn a vibrant orange color.
Trim branches back to their junctions when shaping the tree. Identify the points where two branches meet or where a side shoot connects to the main stem. Prune at these junctions to allow the hawthorn to recover effectively. Make even cuts to achieve a balanced and smooth shape.
When should you prune a hawthorn tree?
Wait until summer when the berry clusters are clearly visible. If you want the hawthorn berries to thrive, they need more sunlight. However, avoid cutting branches around the berry clusters as soon as the fruit forms in spring. By summer, when the tree focuses on fruit development, you can remove shoots and branches shading the berry clusters.
Shape or heavily prune the tree in late winter. If you intend to prune the hawthorn tree significantly, wait until its growth slows. Late winter is ideal for this task. Dead branches are easier to spot, and you can cut back the entire tree to encourage new growth in spring. Remember, hawthorns don’t require heavy pruning unless you’re aiming for a specific shape.
If shaping a hedge, prune during the tree’s growing season. Hawthorns make excellent hedges, but regular pruning is necessary to maintain their appearance. During the growing season in spring and summer, use hedge trimmers to cut back about 15 cm from your desired hedge edge. Allow the tree to fill in the gaps. Pruning to stimulate healthy new growth will help create a denser hedge.
- Keep in mind that heavily pruned hawthorn hedges may not produce vibrant flowers or berries.
Does a hawthorn tree need a trellis?
No, but you can use a trellis if desired. Hawthorns are self-supporting, so a trellis isn’t necessary. However, if you want to use one for shaping, go ahead! Just ensure you guide young, leafy branches onto the trellis, as they are flexible enough to bend and train.
Why isn’t my hawthorn tree producing fruit?
Over-pruning may reduce flower production. Hawthorns need abundant flowers to bear fruit. Excessive pruning can accidentally remove flower buds, leaving the tree with too few blooms to produce fruit in the next season, even if new green shoots grow vigorously.
Fruit may also drop if the tree is too dry. Hawthorns can shed fruit if they lack sufficient water or lose too much moisture through their roots during dry spells. Try mulching around the base to retain soil moisture. You can also apply a high-potassium fertilizer to encourage flowering and fruiting.
Tips
- Plant other flowering plants around the hawthorn tree to attract honeybees and other pollinators, which will help with its pollination.
Warnings
- Always wear gloves to protect your hands when pruning a hawthorn tree.
