How to prune Forsythia, pruning methods

1. Pruning during the early stages of growth

When growing young Forsythia, you should first cultivate the main trunk, and trim off the small buds that sprout at the base and the branches below the main trunk. When the main trunk grows to the desired height, cut off the top to encourage the growth of side branches. After the side branches have finished growing, they need to be pruned two or three times to make the crown fuller. When pruning, just cut off the weak branches of the crown to promote better growth of the outside of the side branches and help expand the crown.

2. Mid-age pruning

The middle-age stage is the period of vigorous growth of the plant. At this time, pruning mainly involves cutting off sick and weak branches and leaving only strong branches. The pruning time is in spring and autumn. After the autumn frost, all diseased and weak branches should be cut off, and the overly dense branches and leaves should also be thinned out. Many new branches will sprout after the flowering period in spring every year. The dense branches should be removed appropriately to allow better light exposure, which is beneficial to growth.

3. Pruning in old age

After growing for many years, the overall condition of Forsythia will gradually weaken, so it needs to be pruned correctly. At this time, the main pruning is to shorten the perennial branches and improve the light, thereby saving a lot of nutrients and cultivating new branches. In addition, root pruning is also required, and some old roots, dead roots, and rotten roots should be cut off. This will allow the plant to better absorb water and nutrients, promote the faster germination of new roots, and help recovery.

IV. Precautions

When managing Forsythia, not only should pruning be done correctly and in a timely manner, but attention should also be paid to maintenance. If you want it to bear more fruit, you must add fertilizer in time. Sufficient nutrients can help it grow and promote more flowering and fruiting.