The clearing cut is one of the most important types of cuts in the care of trees and shrubs. Various factors determine the right time, such as plant type, habit, sensitivity to pruning, flowering or harvest time. The correct approach, on the other hand, follows a consistent pattern, regardless of whether it is a shrub or a treetop. These instructions explain how to professionally thin out ornamental and fruit trees.

A thinning cut reduces the risk of disease

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  1. What is the goal of the clearing cut?
  2. Which shoots are thinned out?
  3. What should be considered when making the cut?

    4. What is the goal of the clearing cut?

    In an uncut shrub or tree, an impenetrable tangle of old and young shoots forms over time. The branches shade each other, which hinders vital photosynthesis. The denser the growth of the shoots, the more fiercely they fight for water, nutrients and light. Sterile branches without flower buds are in charge here because they invest their energy in vehement growth. The consequences are premature senescence, stunted growth of flowers and fruits, and unbridled outward spread. Furthermore, pathogens and pests have an easy time in the weakened wood.

    A thinning cut effectively prevents the problems. With the help of a strategically clever cut, you ensure a light-filled and airy growth and promote a balance of branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. The result is a vital and resistant plant in which pathogens have a bad hand. Due to this objective, the type of cut is also referred to as a maintenance cut.

    Which shoots are thinned out?

    The thinning cut targets all shoots that are detrimental to vitality and shape. The following drives are a case for saw or scissors:

    • Deadwood of all branch categories and shoot types
    • Branches pointing steeply upwards or inwards
    • Remove the weaker shoots from two shoots that are too close together
    • On grafted ornamental and fruit trees, all wild shoots that sprout from the rootstock

    Numerous shrubs benefit from a thinning cut, which entails continuous rejuvenation. For this purpose, two to four of the oldest shoots are pruned out every year from the fifth year. A ground-level pruning stimulates the growth of new branches that sprout directly from the root.

    What should be considered when making the cut?

    The thinning cut focuses primarily on the complete removal of dead and unwanted shoots in shrubs and treetops. The aim of the cut is not to damage neighboring branches. You can do this by cutting each shoot into astring. The bulge that is in the transition from the branch to the parent branch or trunk is called the astring. How to do it right:

    • Sharpen and disinfect cutting tools
    • Start on the top of the branch and cut or saw in one go
    • Smooth out the edges of the wound with a clean, sharp knife
    • Set the scissors or saw on the ground shoots of shrubs just above the roots

    If you can't see a ring of branches when pruning a tree crown, make sure that you don't damage the bark when you cut it. If you cut or saw downwards and outwards at a slight angle, rainwater can run off the cut more easily.

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    If a thinning cut goes far beyond the removal of individual branches, legal regulations come into play. The Federal Nature Conservation Act stipulates that extensive pruning measures on trees and shrubs are limited to the period from October 1st to March 1st. Within this period of grace, it must be ensured in advance that there are no overwintering wild animals in the bush or tree.

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