The best time to prune ginkgo, when to prune potted ginkgo

1. Pruning time

Ginkgo is usually pruned in summer and winter. In winter, the plant is dormant, so heavy pruning is required so that the stored nutrients can be concentrated, which will help the growth of new shoots in the second year. In Xijia, pruning should be light and mainly play an auxiliary role, controlling the growth of the plants. Too much pruning will affect photosynthesis.

2. Pruning method

1. Shortening: Shortening is a very commonly used pruning method, mainly targeting annual branches, cutting them shorter to promote the growth of branches and the development of side branches. Usually the pruning length is one-third, and 2-3 long branches will sprout at the cut. In the same year, the new shoots can grow to about 30-50 cm.

2. Thinning: If the top of the ginkgo tree is too dense, with crossed and overlapping branches, which affects the internal ventilation and light transmission, appropriate thinning is required. Thinning should cut off overgrown branches, thin branches and drooping branches. When they sprout, remove the buds with bad directions, which can also have a preventive effect.

3. Pruning: Pruning is similar to shortening, except that it mainly targets old branches and the pruning force is greater. Generally, only half of the original length of the branch is retained when pruning back. For some thicker branches, only one-third of the length can be left. It should be noted that the diameter of the cut should not exceed 5 cm.

4. Pinching: Pinching is necessary for any plant. In addition to controlling the height of the plant, it can also promote branch growth. Potted ginkgo trees need to be topped to prevent them from continuing to grow upwards, which is very helpful in controlling the shape of the tree. Generally, the top buds are removed when the branches grow to 15 cm to promote secondary growth of the branches.

5. Ring cutting: Use a knife to cut the cortex of the branches of the ginkgo tree, and the depth should reach the xylem. This can promote flowering and fruiting, but it is generally only used on branches that grow vigorously and are thick and strong. Although ring cutting of weak branches can also promote growth, due to limited nutrition, the fruiting effect is often not as good as that of thick branches.