Can hawthorn trees be pruned in summer? What is the best time to prune?

If hawthorn tree pruning is done well, the effect is very significant. It can make the hawthorn tree grow faster, have luxuriant branches and leaves, increase the number of branches that bloom and bear fruit, and improve the quality of flowers, which can effectively increase the yield and quality of the fruit.

Summer pruning of hawthorn trees

Hawthorn trees can be pruned in summer , but it is more suitable to be pruned in winter. At this time, the plant is in a dormant period and has a smaller demand for water and nutrients. This is also suitable for the recovery of the plant and causes less damage to the hawthorn tree.

How to prune hawthorn trees in summer

1. Spring pruning

The spring pruning of hawthorn trees mainly involves cutting off the branches remaining in winter and performing appropriate shortening operations to promote the growth and development of its branches. Proper cutting of some branches can effectively promote the growth of the plant and cause it to sprout more new branches and leaves.

2. Summer pinching

In summer, the hawthorn tree needs to be topped, that is, the front end of the branch growth, where the buds grow most rapidly and vigorously, should be cut off to encourage the sprouting of more branches and side branches, and appropriate ring barking should be performed, which can promote the formation of flower buds and preserve the nutrients of the branches.

3. Autumn fruit promotion

After the hawthorn tree blooms and bears fruit in autumn, it is necessary to promptly cut off the flowers and weak fruits, and cut off all unqualified branches and flowers to accumulate more nutrients for the fruit to ensure the quality of the final result. However, like spring pruning, autumn pruning should not be done too much or too heavily.

4. Pruning in winter

After the hawthorn tree enters its dormant period in winter, you can cut off the dense and vigorous branches in the crown. You should also cut off the overlapping branches, crossed branches, long branches, horizontal branches and other branches that affect the overall permeability of the crown, so as to play the role of thinning branches and allowing light to pass through.