In principle, there is a lot to do in the garden all year round, even in winter. The cold season is exactly the right time to cut back all the trees vigorously. But be careful: Not every tree can handle a winter pruning, and it is better to leave the scissors or saw in the workshop when there is frost.
Fruit trees are pruned in winter, but not when the temperature is below zero
Prune fruit trees in winter
Depending on the growth and flowering behavior, trees are cut either in spring, after flowering, in autumn or even in winter. Fruit trees in particular should be pruned vigorously between January and February, as this period promotes the development of fruit wood. In principle, pruning is also possible in autumn, but the autumnal shortening encourages the tree to grow faster - which in turn hinders fruit formation. Ergo, winter pruning is better suited to hoping for a rich harvest.
When to cut in winter - and when not
However, just looking at the calendar is not enough to choose the right time. You also have to wait for the right weather conditions, because cutting is not allowed in frost, snow or rain. A day on which is ideal
- it is warmer than minus five degrees Celsius
- it is dry and windless
- the sun hides behind clouds
- there is no snow
The problem with cutting in freezing temperatures is that it can disrupt a tree's delicate cold protection system. The branches and twigs are surrounded by an insulating bark consisting of two layers: the outer bark provides a shield from the outside, while the underlying cambric protects the inside of the tree from the cold. If the tree is now cut, the exposed wounds threaten to freeze and the affected branches / twigs can become brittle. This in turn hinders healthy new growth in spring and promotes the growth of fungi.
Make up for the winter pruning
If a winter cut is not possible due to unfavorable temperatures, you can make up for it. The best time to do this depends on the tree species. However, you should make the cut during the budding/growth phase, as wounds will close better now.
tips
Recent research has shown that the traditional way of closing cuts is counterproductive and achieves the opposite of what it is intended to achieve. Fungal diseases spread faster and wounds take longer to heal.