Sloes are easy-care shrubs and regular pruning is not necessary for even growth. However, blackthorn tolerates regular pruning very well. He thanks this measure with dense and compact growth.

wild beauty

Blackthorns planted solitarily do best when they are allowed to grow freely and uninhibitedly. Depending on the variety, they reach a height of three to four meters and a diameter of two to three meters. You can also leave a sloe hedge to its own devices, provided you have enough space in the garden.

Trim the sloe properly

If you want to cut the sloe regularly, it is advisable to start pruning in the first few years. In this way you can still get to all the branches and control the growth of the thorn bush according to your wishes.

  • Prune blackthorn immediately after flowering or in autumn
  • Sloe hedges can be cut into shape in summer
  • watch out for nesting birds during spring pruning
  • Thin out in a targeted manner by removing inward-growing and crossing branches
  • Sloes that have grown too large can tolerate a strong pruning
  • use sharp and clean pruning shears to prevent bacteria from entering the cut

Never cut off root suckers!

The root runners, which grow vertically upwards, are often found several meters away from the sloe. If you don't get rid of them, the offshoots will take root and grow into a new sloe within a few years.

If you don't want to let the sloe grow too much, avoid chopping off, mowing or deliberately cutting off the foothills. since this results in increased expulsion.

Effectively eliminate root suckers

To remove the runners, you should expose the root system of the sloe and pull out or cut off the long shoots. Be sure to remove the sleeping eye at the end of the shoot. If it is not eliminated, two or more new shoots will sprout from this one eye.

After thoroughly removing the unwanted shoots, you can inhibit the growth of new runners by laying out mulch film. The dense material cuts off the offspring's vital light, thereby curbing the unbridled development of the offshoots.

tips and tricks

Always wear sturdy, thick gloves when cutting the blackthorn, as the shrub has numerous sharp thorns.

Category:

Vegetable garden