Vinegar trees provide shade and are eye-catchers all year round. They are easy-care shrubs, but the topic of pruning in particular causes confusion. Anyone who waits for the right time and takes a few factors into account will support the interesting growth.
Vinegar trees do not need pruning
Do vinegar trees need pruning?
Vinegar trees grow as multi-stemmed shrubs with a broad crown. In nature, the trees are between three and five meters high. Under favorable conditions, they can grow to heights of between seven and ten metres. The vinegar tree does not require pruning. This care measure ensures that the shrubs sprout uncontrollably. It is not uncommon for vinegar trees to develop up to three new shoots at the interfaces.
When a cut is necessary
A cut is recommended for small crown corrections. Radical pruning measures may become necessary if the shrub grows too tall or too wide. A maintenance pruning makes sense when the bushy growing shrub is bare in the crown. This development is normal as the dense growth prevents sun penetration and promotes poor aeration of the crown.
Vinegar trees have an urge to develop root suckers, mainly on sandy soils, which often sprout up to ten meters away from the main trunk. To prevent uncontrolled spread, you need to cut the runners regularly. A cut back close to the ground promotes the formation of runners. Only perform this radical pruning if the old tree is growing too tall and needs to be removed. The foothills are ideal for rejuvenation.
The ideal time
Wait until fall to cut back hard. The ideal time is when the shrub has completed its growing season. This is the case once the leaves have fallen off. Alternatively, you can cut the vinegar tree in the spring before new growth begins. You can cut individual branches and root shoots during the entire growing season.
Tips for the right cut
Be careful to cut as few branches as possible. Cut branches at least three to five millimeters above a dormant eye. The vinegar tree will later sprout in these places. The pruning shears are set at a slight angle. Seal large cuts with tree wax ($14.96) to prevent infection. Vinegar trees carry milky sap, which escapes from the interfaces and can lead to skin irritation. Therefore wear gloves.
How to cut correctly:
- Thin out bushy shrubs generously
- Leave branches 20 centimeters apart
- cut crossing branches
- remove stunted and dried branches
The straight, long-growing branches are called water shoots. They can be topped all year round. Cut these shoots as low as possible. If the vinegar tree develops new water shoots, only consistent cutting will help. Remove shoots that develop on the tree pits. If you cultivate your vinegar tree in a container, you can keep it in check with regular pruning.