With age, the trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) grows into a majestic deciduous tree that is a sight to behold with its large, heart-shaped leaves and lush white flowers. From time to time, however, a pruning makes sense, especially to rejuvenate the tree and counteract a possible balding. A pruning also makes sense if the trumpet tree takes up too much space and should therefore be trimmed. Two specific dates in the year have proven to be particularly favorable for such a measure.

August is the best month to prune the trumpet tree

Two possible cut dates

The trumpet tree should be cut back either in early spring - that is, before the actual budding - or in August. Other times of the year are unsuitable. A pruning in spring or when the tree is in bloom makes little sense due to the increased risk of bleeding and thus infection (after all, the tree is fully in its "juice" at this point in time). Pruning in autumn or winter weakens it anyway in the cold season battered tree additionally. Both editing dates have their own special advantages and disadvantages.

Which is why a pruning in August is preferable

Basically, August is the ideal time for pruning. The reason for this is as follows: The trumpet tree already lays the flower buds for the next year's blossoms in autumn, so that these would fall victim to a pruning in spring and the blossoms will not be as lush as usual. In order to counteract the failure of the flower, simply postpone any pruning measures until the buds have not yet formed. Another advantage of the August date lies in the simple fact that the trumpet tree simply copes better with pruning on a warm and sunny day.

Advantages of the August haircut at a glance

  • You can prune your trumpet tree on a warm and dry day.
  • The milder August weather promotes wound healing.
  • The tree is not additionally affected by any late frosts that may set in.
  • The tree, already weakened by the winter, is not burdened by a cut
  • which can also further delay the new shoots in spring.
  • They do not cut off flower buds and thus do not affect the next year's flowering.

tips

To propagate the trumpet tree by cuttings, cut off semi-lignified, about 15 centimeters long top cuttings after flowering.

Category:

Trees