- The choice of date depends on the weather and the Federal Nature Conservation Act
- Cutting guide for a radical cut - this is how you do it right
Aged barberry hedges and bushes are no reason to clear the magnificent ornamental trees. With a professional rejuvenation cut, you breathe new life into your sour thorn bushes. This guide explains when and how to radically prune barberries. This is how it works with gardening expertise.
If the barberry becomes too large, it can be radically pruned
The choice of date depends on the weather and the Federal Nature Conservation Act
The radical pruning of barberries and all other shrubs calls the legislator into action. With a deep pruning, the protection of breeding birds is a top priority. The Federal Nature Conservation Act therefore stipulates that rejuvenation cuts - called 'putting on the stick' in technical jargon - are limited to the period from October 1st to February 28th.
The exact date within this time window depends on the weather. Ideally choose a frost-free day with dry weather without blazing sunshine. Garden practice has shown that a light frost of - 2 degrees Celsius does not affect the result.
Cutting guide for a radical cut - this is how you do it right
Before you dedicate yourself to the rejuvenation pruning of your sour thorn bushes, the focus is on protecting your health. Berberis species are not only poisonous, but also have thorns up to 4 cm long. In some varieties, the edges of the leaves are even armed with sharp spines. Therefore put on thorn-proof clothing, boots, gauntlet gloves and safety goggles. How to radically cut back barberries:
- Shorten all shoots to a length of 10 cm
- Select cutting depth so that at least one leaf node remains
- Cut off dead branches at the base
Barberries will sprout again as old wood if they are given the opportunity to do so in the form of dormant eyes. These vegetation points are recognizable as slight elevations under or on the bark. If you place the scissors a short distance above a sleeping eye, the dormant growth energies are activated. It is important to ensure a smooth cut without frayed edges. Therefore, sharpen the scissors with a whetstone beforehand.
tips
After a radical pruning, the upbringing of a barberry hedge is aimed at a trapezoidal shape. With a wide base that tapers towards the top, form a sun-drenched hedge. As a result, barberries can carry out photosynthesis even close to the ground, so that renewed bare bareness is ruled out.