The structure of the crown is naturally predetermined for the Nordmann fir. Each copy adheres to this. Cutting is therefore usually not an issue. Now and then she may lose a few twig tips. Decide for yourself when that has to be.

Care must be taken when pruning the Nordmann fir

Pruning tolerance of this fir species

This type of fir has a few pitfalls in store for us when cutting. Yes, it can be cut, but only within certain limits. There can be no question of ease of cutting. The fact is that the Nordmann fir can no longer sprout from old wood.

Therefore, with all pruning measures, make sure that you only use the scissors on young shoots if the conifer is to sprout again at the cutting points.

Beginning of the cutting measures and best time

You should leave the branches of a young Nordmann fir untouched for the first three years. It's growing very slowly anyway. Moderate pruning can make sense from the age of four, because the annual growth increases significantly. The shoots can be longer than desired, with the result that after a few years there will be a tall, narrow fir in the garden.

The best time for concrete pruning to promote dense branching is after the fir has blossomed, around June.

Education of a young fir

The original Nordmann fir, which comes from the western Caucasus and is therefore also called the Caucasus fir, grows upright with a straight trunk. The grafted varieties sold in this country tend to tip over with the tip. A symmetrical crown shape does not have to be cut. It is sufficient if you tie the fir to a support post for the first few years of its life.

If several vertical shoots have developed, all but one must be removed. This is best done in summer while they are still green.

How to cut the shape

Grab a pair of pruning shears that have been cleaned and disinfected to avoid spreading disease. The cutting tool should also be well sharpened.

  • only shorten the outer shoots
  • Remove diseased and dead shoots completely

tips

Put the accrued cuttings only in small pieces and in small quantities on the compost heap. Otherwise the pH value of the soil can slip strongly into the acidic range.

Major fixes

Horizontal shoots that are too long must be diverted to a shorter side shoot. This is then slimmed down. The top of the fir can also be cut off. Then a side shoot must form the new tip. It may have to be tied up for this.

However, it is better than such serious measures to choose a sufficiently large location when planting and to ensure sufficient planting distance.

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Trees