A quince tree blooms in sync with roses and brings tasty fruit in the fall. This process should not be disturbed by cutting measures. Nevertheless, regular pruning care is beneficial for flowering and vitality. Read this guide to learn when and how to properly cut a quince.

Quince trees are best pruned at the end of winter

The best time is at the end of February

The ideal time window for pruning measures on the quince tree is open from the end of February to the beginning of March. This recommended date takes into account the sensitivity of a quince to frost and the specifications in the Federal Nature Conservation Act in equal measure. Please choose a day with dry weather and temperatures above freezing.

Pruning for maintenance revitalizes exhausted fruit wood

A quince tree takes four to eight years to bear the first fruit. On the way there, pruning measures are of secondary importance. With the entry into the yield phase, the Asian pome fruit tree benefits from a fruit tree pruning. After three to four years, heavily branched fruit wood shoots hang down and signal that they have passed the zenith of their earning power. With this cut you revitalize exhausted fruit wood of a quince:

  • Overlong skeleton shoots leaning towards the ground lead to a younger side shoot
  • Deflect worn, broom-like branched fruit wood to a side branch closer to the trunk
  • Cut back old fruiting wood without young side shoots to 5-10 cm short cones

Please do not cut off exhausted fruit wood on astring. In the quince tree, this pruning goes hand in hand with the risk of rotting. It is better if you leave a short stub first. Young twigs will sprout from it until the next year, while the cone dries up. Select one or two outward-facing, horizontal young shoots. All other specimens and the dried cone remains are removed.

Thin out the quinces at 3-year intervals

As long as your quince tree thrives with vital fruit wood, pruning care is limited to removing deadwood and awkwardly positioned branches. Quinces tend to grow in a disorderly manner, with criss-crossing shoots. This detracts from a light-filled, airy crown for numerous buds and fruits to develop. How to properly thin out a quince tree:

  • Thin out the crown every 2 to 3 years
  • Cut deadwood down to short cones
  • Cut back weak, frozen and unfavorably growing branches by up to three quarters
  • Set pruning shears just above an outward-facing bud

If you discover steeply upward water shoots on guide branches, their position decides how to proceed. Do not cut off the shoots in the sun-drenched place. Rather, tie the vertical drive in an inclined to horizontal position. Now the juice pressure calms down, after which flower buds are formed.

tips

An apple quince remains a quince and is not pruned like an apple tree. The designation pear quince or apple quince only refers to the shape of the fruit. Please do not draw any conclusions about cutting care from these variety names, but consult these instructions.

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Trees