The common trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is a deciduous tree that grows up to 18 meters high and offers a sea of white, bell-shaped and very large flowers in June / July. But even when it is not in bloom, the sprawling tree is an ornament due to its large, heart-shaped leaves. Fortunately, the trumpet tree - by the way, should not be confused with the similar-sounding angel's trumpet! - Cut back very well.

A trumpet tree can be easily shaped by pruning

Trumpet tree is very tolerant of pruning

The trumpet tree not only tolerates a courageous pruning very well, such a pruning is also recommended, especially for young trees. Through regular, shaping pruning, young trumpet trees develop a beautiful, spreading and lush crown, and they also develop more and larger leaves due to the increased shoot growth. Older trees should be regularly rejuvenated by removing old and dead wood in favor of young, fresh shoots. This measure prevents a gradual bare tree.

The optimal time

There are two possible dates for pruning, both of which have specific advantages and disadvantages. It is usually recommended to cut the trumpet tree in early spring - i.e. before the first shoots. However, you have to be very careful when doing this, otherwise you will rob yourself of the beautiful summer bloom. Trumpet trees form their flower buds for the following year in the autumn before - and pruning back in spring carries the risk that the flower will then fail. Instead, however, it is also possible to cut directly after flowering and before renewed bud formation, i.e. in August. This date is also more suitable because Catalpa should be pruned on a warm and dry day if possible.

Cut back trumpet tree properly

When cutting, it is not enough to just cut back all the shoots. You will quickly regret such a measure because the trumpet tree will most likely develop unsightly spider veins afterwards. It is better to proceed according to the following scheme:

  • First, the crown is thinned out.
  • Dead shoots and shoots that are too close together are cut off directly at the base.
  • Don't leave butts behind!
  • Now cut inward and criss-crossing shoots.
  • All vertically growing water shoots are also removed.
  • Stronger branches are first removed with a saw,
  • then the wound is smoothed with a knife
  • and treated with a wound closure agent.

Only work with sharp and disinfected cutting tools, otherwise bacterial or fungicidal pathogens can penetrate through the now open wounds and cause great damage.

Why dare a head tree pruning?

A so-called top tree pruning - also known as de-topping - is always useful when the trumpet tree can no longer be saved in any other way due to storm or frost damage or a fungal disease. You can either cut the crown down to a few main branches or even just down to the trunk. However, after such a measure you need a lot of patience until a new crown has formed again. Incidentally, the leaves then sprout much larger and more luxuriantly.

tips

In contrast to its big brother, the dwarf ball trumpet tree should not be pruned in order not to affect the naturally growing ball shape.

Category:

Trees