Does the osmanthus tree need pruning? When is the best time to prune the branches and leaves?

Sweet osmanthus trees are very popular because of their refreshing fragrance. Ornamental sweet osmanthus trees need to be pruned every year to ensure the beautiful shape of the tree. For osmanthus trees with extensive management, this usually includes pruning, removing dead and diseased branches, and mainly pruning during the dormant period, supplemented by pruning during the growth stage.

Osmanthus pruning time

Osmanthus tree pruning is generally carried out in winter or February. During this period, the osmanthus has entered a dormant period. Depending on the age of the tree and shaping needs, the dense, long, vigorous, dry and diseased branches are pruned. During the growing season, the latent buds near the ground are completely removed from the base to prevent the formation of leggy branches.

Osmanthus tree pruning method

After the flowers have bloomed, you need to prune it. The overlong branches should be cut short. Only two to four leaves should be left at the pruning position. The top should also be cut off. Then, appropriately prune the thin and crossed branches inside, including the buds growing at the bottom. After pruning, only the thick branches are retained, and nutrients can be concentratedly supplied. In the end, the new buds that grow will be very numerous and full.

During the growing season, when the side buds grow four to six leaves, only the two leaves at the bottom are retained and the tops are cut off. This pruning continues until the summer comes, so that new branches can grow in the summer. After the new branches grow out, they will gradually become hard and old in the autumn, and these branches will be the main force for flowering.