Hawthorn Tree Pruning: Getting the Timing Right
Late winter to early spring.
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Expert insight into the best time to prune a hawthorn tree; why hawthorn tree pruning is important, and how to identify common hawthorn tree diseases.
The hawthorn tree, also known as the May tree as that is when its flowers appear, is a small, bushy deciduous tree known for its pretty dark red autumn berries which follow sprays of cream flowers. It can live a long life, often up to 400 years.
You’ll often find the hawthorn tree around coastal locations or within green areas of towns and in cottage gardens. It’s often used in wildlife gardens on account of its attractiveness to an abundance of insects which feast on its leaves. Its flowers provide a pleasant meal for dormice and provide nectar for pollinating insects like bees.
Why prune a hawthorn tree?
The hawthorn tree requires only light pruning as it tends to form a strong framework naturally. Harder pruning will have a negative effect on a hawthorn tree and so should be avoided.
The aim of hawthorn tree pruning is to remove congested or crossing shoots in order to promote good airflow and light penetration, which are essential to maintain the tree’s good health. Pruning is also important to eliminate damaged or diseased shoots, or those that have grown in a stray manner so that an aesthetically pleasing shape can be maintained.
When is the best time to prune a hawthorn tree?
Hawthorn tree pruning should be carried out in late winter to early spring when the tree is in its dormant period in order to avoid sap bleed which can lead to disease. Sap attracts insects, which bring with them fungal spores that can beset the tree with disease.
Care to take when pruning a hawthorn tree
Be sure to avoid trimming a hawthorn tree before it reaches maturity as this can lead to stunted growth. Always let it grow to a good metre and a half or more before you start pruning.
What to look for when pruning a hawthorn tree
Hawthorn trees are prone to gall mites, aphids and caterpillars so be sure to look out for infestations whilst undertaking your pruning.
Leaf spot can also be an issue, as can fireblight, a bacterial disease that kills the shoots of a range of trees including ornamental shrubs like the hawthorn tree. As its name suggests, the disease can lead to the plant appearing as though it has been scorched by fire. Look out for wilting blossoms, cankers (sunken bark) and oozing white slime during late spring through to autumn. If fireblight is identified, the affected areas will need to be pruned out immediately. It is currently not a disease that needs to be notified.
Tree Preservation Orders
Never proceed with any tree work without first enquiring as to whether there is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in place. If so, permission must be sought for the works and this can take up to eight weeks to be granted. Also, if the tree is situated in a conservation area, permission must be obtained before starting works of any nature.
The importance of hawthorn tree pruning expertise
The hawthorn is a very attractive, ornamental plant, or at least it can be when properly taken care of. If you are in any way unsure as to the level of pruning that is right for your hawthorn tree, or how and when you should undertake it, then you are wise to call in qualified assistance.
An experienced tree surgeon will be aware of precisely how to best trim and prune your hawthorn tree for greatest aesthetic effect, and to promote the health of the tree. Remember, hard pruning is seriously advised against, and you will also need to be on the lookout for disease and pest infestation. A qualified arborist will also be able to spot the signs these so that early action can be taken to preserve the health of the tree.
If you have a hawthorn tree on your land that needs pruning or trimming, why not contact T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and widely experienced tree surgeons, we are able to offer specialist knowledge and expertise in all aspects of hawthorn tree pruning. For a free, no-obligation quotation, give us a call on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.
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