Cutting the Mediterranean strawberry tree properly is not that easy. In the fall, when many native plants are pruned, the flower buds show up. At the same time, the tree bears green, yellow or already ripe red fruits. However, it would be wrong to dispense with the renovation cut for this reason. Arbutus also tends to age the lower parts of the branches, while excessively flowerless and fruitless water shoots form in the upper area.
The extent to which strawberry trees are pruned is a matter of controversy
How much can be cut back?
Here the expert opinions differ greatly. Some plant lovers advocate pruning the strawberry tree carefully and at a young age. Others, on the other hand, even cultivate arbutus as bonsai. In this case, the professional cut is the most important measure of the design. The strawberry tree is therefore quite tolerant of pruning, even if it is regularly pruned and sometimes hardly bears any fruit.
As so often, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In the first few years, strawberry trees grow very bushy and fast. They therefore have to be cut more frequently. The larger the plant gets, the slower and looser the natural shape will develop. Cuts are then no longer necessary as often. In addition, older trees bear either buds, flowers or fruit all year round, so you will inevitably have to cut off this tree decoration.
How is circumcision done?
Gardening sensitivity is required here:
- In early spring, only shorten shoots that are not bearing fruit.
- In late summer you can cut out branches that have become too long. Watch out for buds that could develop into flowers in the fall.
- Disturbing parts can be cut off during the entire growing season.
- Remove dead branches regularly.
As a result of this care measure, Arbutus branches out better and grows beautifully bushy.
When can you cut?
If a more severe pruning is unavoidable, the branches can be shortened before the start of the growing season in early spring. Arbutus takes this well, but you have to do without flowers and fruits in the same year, and maybe also in the following year.
tips
This care measure results in cuttings that are ideal for propagation. Placed in nutrient-poor growth substrate, the offshoots, which have been stripped of leaves except for two, quickly develop roots.