The wonderful cake tree naturally maintains its pyramidal crown, so pruning is not mandatory. In order to cut the seductively fragrant ornamental tree into shape if necessary, there are a few aspects to consider. Read here how to properly prune your Katsura tree.

A slight topiary can be done in early summer

You can choose between these two dates

A time window for pruning your Katsura tree opens twice a year. During the leafless period in late winter, you not only have a clear view of the branches. In addition, the tree is in its sap dormancy, so that even a radical pruning does not throw it off course. On a frost-free day with dry weather, please grab a pair of scissors.

With your loving care and in the ideal location, the growth on the Katsura tree sometimes takes on undesirable dimensions. A day around June 24th (Johanni) is a good time to adjust with a light cut. Ideally, the wood is not exposed to direct sunlight during the cutting work.

Cutting and thinning go hand in hand

A cake tree retains its harmonious silhouette and robust vitality when you combine pruning with thorough thinning. As long as it is ensured that light and air reach all parts of the plant, there is no risk of bare vegetation from within. How to do it right:

  • Cut off any dead shoots at the base
  • Remove inward and crossing branches
  • Shorten branches that are too long by up to two thirds, if desired
  • Limit the summer cut to slight corrections by a maximum of one third

If your Katsura tree is a grafted standard, wild shoots will occasionally appear. These sprout from the base and vehemently strive to overgrow the grafted crown. Whenever these branches catch your eye, rip them off with a bold jerk. As long as only a small piece of tissue remains on the trunk, the wildlings will sprout again.

tips

The yellow to scarlet autumn color of a cake tree is all the more intense the more acidic the soil. Therefore, when choosing a location for your new Katsura tree, check the pH of the soil and give preference to a location with values between 5.0 and 6.5.

Category:

Trees