Conifers such as yew, thuja or spruce occasionally need pruning for general care. If the conifers are planted as hedges, they must be cut more frequently so that the hedge remains attractive and does not become too high.

Minor cosmetic corrections can be carried out almost all year round

The grooming cut

The ideal time for pruning conifers is late spring, preferably before the summer solstice. Only spruces should only be cut in autumn. The grooming cut is not radically shortened. Most conifers do not tolerate such a cut, only the yew can be cut vigorously once in a while.
Dead, dried out and broken branches are removed and unwanted side shoots are shortened. Very dense crowns are susceptible to wind and can be carefully thinned out. If possible, cut out the middle branches so that a compact look is retained. In any case, the central drive should be retained, otherwise the growth in height will not occur for a long time.

Hedge trimming and topiary

Due to their dense growth, conifers are well suited for hedges or for cutting figures. You should start shaping very early and only ever cut the young shoots. A cut in the old wood is not tolerated, except for the yew. Bald spots remain, which also no longer break out.
If, for example, geometric figures are to be cut, templates are made out of wire or wood and allowed to overgrow first. If the templates are no longer visible, the young shoots can be shaped.
When trimming the hedge, the plant should be cut narrower at the top than at the bottom. This way all the leaves get enough sun and the lower parts don't dry out.

Pruning conifers - step by step

If you want to cut your conifers, it is best to do this work in spring or autumn on a cloudy or rainy day (the sun dries out the cuts too much). Proceed as follows:

  1. Use sharp cutting tools for clean cuts.
  2. Proceed with caution, especially with young plants. These are still susceptible to diseases and no longer sprout at interfaces that are too large.
  3. Do not cut out the top of the conifer. This inhibits height growth.
  4. When trimming, never forget the overall look of the hedge or figure. As you work, make sure you're not cutting too much or in the wrong places.

Cut conifers with electric or manual shears

In both cases, the shearing blades should be as sharp as possible. The cleaner the cut is made, the lower the risk of fungi or germs getting stuck in the cuts. Blunt scissors cause frayed cuts. The plant loses liquid here and pathogens penetrate.
Whether a manual or an electric hedge trimmer (€24.99) is used is up to the gardener. Everyone has their preferences here. If the tool is OK, both methods can be used to cut correctly.

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Trees