Pruning trees correctly. A guide

Content

• Why should you prune trees?
• When should you prune trees?
• How do you prune trees correctly?
• Which trees need regular pruning?
• Avoid common mistakes when pruning trees
• Legal regulations regarding tree pruning
• Every tree is different
• Further tree care

By pruning a tree you can promote the health, growth and shape of your tree. But which tree actually needs pruning? And: When and how should you prune trees? In this article you will find all the important information on this exciting topic.

Why should you prune trees?

Why prune trees if no one does it in nature? That's a valid question. Trees can survive without pruning. And yet, pruning offers several advantages:

• By removing injured or dead branches, the tree can better regenerate and form new shoots.
• Pruning a tree promotes the growth of young shoots.
• Regular pruning helps to give the tree a beautiful shape and a good appearance.
• In fruit trees, pruning can lead to the tree producing more and larger fruits.

When should you prune trees?

The timing depends on the type of tree and the desired effect. Most trees are ideally pruned between March and September. During this time, their wounds can heal more quickly, reducing the risk of infection. We recommend that you look up specific information about your tree type so that you can support your tree as best as possible.

Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right time:

• Winter is generally a good time for pruning. Without leaves, the tree structure is clearly visible, and pruning often leads to strong growth in spring (so only prune trees in winter that are still growing strongly). But there is also a big disadvantage: at temperatures below 0°C, frost can damage the wound.
• That's why spring is better for many trees. Like pruning in winter, pruning in spring also leads to stronger growth and shoots. If you already have a large tree, pruning in summer is better.
• Summer is a good time to slow growth. This is especially useful when trees or shrubs are getting too large.

This means: If you want your tree to continue to grow vigorously, you can prune the tree in winter or spring. If you want to slow down the growth of a tree, we recommend that you prune it in summer.

Note:
Between March 1st and September 30th, a protected period for breeding birds applies in Germany (§39 BNatSchG). During this time, heavy pruning is generally not permitted. Minor maintenance or shaping cuts, as well as the removal of deadwood, are usually allowed. If in doubt, it's worth checking local regulations.

How do you prune trees correctly?

When pruning trees, the right tools and the right technique are important:

• We recommend using sharp and well-maintained tools to achieve clean cuts. Sharp pruning shears are helpful for thinner branches and a saw for thicker twigs.
• The first thing you can do is remove dead, damaged and diseased branches.
• We recommend thinning out the crown, especially for fruit trees. A crown that is not too dense reduces the occurrence of fungal diseases. Cut back anything that grows inwards, crosses over or overlaps.
• Avoid hat hooks: An important rule when pruning trees is to cut the branches cleanly off the trunk or side shoots. If branch stumps are left standing, so-called hat hooks form. These die over time and create an opportunity for pathogens to penetrate.
• When pruning, remember that pruning in winter and spring will trigger strong growth later on. The more you prune, the more the tree will respond with new growth.
• When pruning an old tree, focus on removing weak or crowded shoots. This will encourage the growth of new, stronger shoots and extend the life of the tree.

Which trees need regular pruning?

Fruit trees:

Regular pruning promotes long-term yield and health of fruit trees. Without regular pruning, they often develop a very dense crown that allows less light into the interior. A targeted cut ensures that:

• more light and air can reach the crown
• strong fruiting shoots develop
• Diseases and fungal infections are reduced.
• the fruits become larger and of better quality

Topiary and small garden trees

Trees that are to be kept in a specific shape – such as globe-shaped trees or smaller ornamental trees – also require regular care. These include, for example:

• Globe maple
• Ornamental cherry trees
• Columnar trees

Here, the focus is less on health and more on the desired growth form. Regular pruning ensures that the characteristic shape is maintained.

Older trees

Even older trees can benefit from targeted pruning, especially if they have not been cared for in a long time. This is primarily about:

• to remove dead or weak branches
• to promote new, strong shoots

It is important to proceed carefully and spread larger interventions over several years in order not to put too much strain on the tree.

In contrast, many native deciduous and forest trees require very little care. These trees naturally develop a stable growth form. In most cases, it is sufficient to occasionally remove deadwood or, if necessary, prune individual branches. 

Avoid common mistakes when pruning trees

Pruning can help or harm your tree. Knowing the following points will help you avoid the most common problems. Here are the most important mistakes to avoid when pruning trees:

1. Cutting too much at once

A common mistake is over-pruning. Removing large parts of the crown puts the tree under stress. The consequence:

• strong, uncontrolled new growth (water sprouts)
• weakened tree structure
• increased susceptibility to diseases

As a rule of thumb: Do not remove more than about 20–30% of the crown at one time. Larger procedures should be spread over several years.

2. Cutting at the wrong time

The timing of the cut has a major influence on growth. Typical mistakes here are:

• Cuts in freezing conditions: wounds can be damaged.
• Cutting during the main growth phase without a goal: unnecessary stress
• Disregard for the protected period for birds 

Before cutting, consider: Do you want to promote or inhibit growth? The right time depends on that.

3. Leave the stump standing ("hat hook")

If branches are not cleanly cut at the branch collar (where they meet the trunk or side shoot), stubs may remain. Possible consequences include:

• the wood dies
• Pathogens can enter
• The tree is less able to heal the wound.

Therefore, always cut cleanly at the branch collar. Not too far out, but also not into the trunk.

4. Cutting too close to the trunk

The opposite is also problematic: if you cut too close to the trunk and damage the branch collar, the tree will have more difficulty closing the wound.

5. Use blurry tools

Dull tools can crush the wood instead of cutting it cleanly. The consequences can be:

• frayed wounds
• poorer healing
• higher risk of disease

Therefore, use:

• Sharp garden shears for thin branches
• suitable saws for thicker branches

6. Ignore the natural growth pattern

Every tree has a typical growth pattern. If this is drastically altered, it can lead to unstable growth. Typical errors are: 

• one-sided pruning
• Removing load-bearing branches
• Radical cut without a plan

Orient yourself to the natural structure of the tree and work with it, not against it. 

7. Cut too little, not too much.

This also happens: Due to uncertainty, no cutting is done at all or only minimal cutting is done, even though it would be sensible. This can lead to the following:

• the crown becomes too dense
• Light and air are lacking
• Diseases are promoted 

Legal regulations regarding tree pruning

In Germany, there are legal regulations regarding tree pruning, especially to protect birds and other animals.

Between March 1st and September 30th, heavy pruning and clearing are generally prohibited according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act (§ 39 BNatSchG). During this period, many birds nest in trees and shrubs.

Even during the protected period, light maintenance and shaping cuts as well as the removal of deadwood are usually permitted, as long as no nests are disturbed.

In addition, local tree protection ordinances may apply. These regulate, for example, whether certain trees may only be cut with a permit.

Before carrying out major pruning work, you should briefly check:

• What is the protection period?
• Are there nests in the tree? 
• Are there any local regulations?

Every tree is different

Before you start pruning, we recommend that you look for specific information about your tree species. Many trees have their own special pruning habits. Also note that improper pruning can cause more harm than good. If you want to get serious about pruning, we recommend that you buy a good book on the subject with lots of illustrations. 

Further tree care

• Watering trees: After pruning, your tree's water needs may change. Sufficient water is especially important during dry periods to support regeneration and new growth. You can find more information on watering trees correctly in our detailed guide. Guides.
• Fertilizing trees: Targeted fertilization can help your tree develop new shoots after pruning. Moderate application is important, as too much fertilizer can lead to uncontrolled growth. You can find more information on fertilizing trees here. in this article.
• Mulching trees: Mulching improves soil structure, promotes soil life, and protects the soil from drying out. This supports your tree's water supply in the long term. Learn more about mulching trees. here. 
• Lime wash as protection: A lime wash protects the trunk from extreme temperature fluctuations, especially in winter. This helps prevent tension cracks in the bark. You can find more information about lime washes for trees here. here.