How to prune Paulownia

How to prune Paulownia

5-6 years after Paulownia is planted, the crown of the tree expands and timely pruning is required to promote its growth. The best time for pruning is in early spring before the leaves sprout. The amount of pruning should be reasonable and appropriate, and the cut should be smooth to promote wound healing. Through shaping and pruning of Paulownia, the false dichotomous branches are transformed into sympodial branches to form a tall sympodial trunk or a conical crown, which is conducive to growth and creates a good ornamental effect.

Cut off the branches and remove the buds

Cutting off the top and removing the buds can cultivate straight Paulownia seedling trunks. Generally, the bent and weak tips are cut off at the full buds, and 4-5 buds below the cut buds are removed. The buds below the cut can form new main shoots. Note that the cut buds must be full and strong, with the bud tips facing upwards.

Thinning

Prune dense branches, crossed branches, weak branches, and branches infected with diseases and insects, and prune weak branches lightly and strong branches heavily. The cut should be smooth. Thinning branches can weaken the overall growth, but it can enhance the growth of the remaining branches, especially the lower branches; at the same time, it is conducive to ventilation and light transmission, and can promote trunk growth and early flowering.

Short

Shortening is to cut off part of the branches, which can stimulate the germination of side buds under the cut and sprout new shoots, increase the number of branches, and promote more flowering. Within a certain range, the heavier the pruning, the more vigorous the new shoots that sprout.

Retraction

Pruning back means cutting back branches that are 2 years old or older. Keep a section of the aging branches or the base of the trunk and cut off the rest. This will promote vigorous growth of the branches below the cut, stimulate dormant buds, and cause them to sprout long branches, which is beneficial for cultivating a new crown.

Stubble

It is mostly used to cultivate the rejuvenation and renewal of excellent trunks. By removing all above-ground branches near the ground, you can stimulate sprouting and renewal near the root collar of the plant and completely transform the trunk shape.