Some oak trees are very annoying to garden owners when they are old, tall and gnarled. Whether you can cut it back depends on the size and age of the oak. For very large trees you need a permit.

Older oaks should be trimmed by a specialist company

Requirements for pruning oak trees

Whether you can prune an oak tree depends on how old the tree is and whether it is listed in the local zoning plan or tree protection statute. Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act stipulates that it is forbidden "Trees that are outside the forest, from short rotation plantations or horticulturally used areas, hedges, living fences, bushes and other woody plants in time Cut off from March 1st to September 30thto put on the stick or eliminate; gentle shaping and care cuts are permitted to eliminate the growth of the plants or to keep the trees healthy.” (BNatSchG, §39)

If you prune such a tree without a permit, you may have to pay hefty fines.

Young oaks, on the other hand, can be cut back yourself to thin them out, shape them and remove excess branches.

The best time for pruning oak trees

If you want to prune your oak tree, it's best to do it in early spring.

Since the oak is about to sprout at this time, it has a high level of cell activity and can therefore heal faster. In addition, the reserve substances are largely stored in the trunk and strong branches. If the oak is pruned moderately in spring (10-15%, maximum 25%), these reserve substances for the formation of buds and shoots are retained.

Cut young oak trees into shape

Young oak trees usually tolerate pruning well.

Get cut:

  • Thin branches on the lower trunk
  • Dead branches in the crown
  • Branches growing transversely
  • Diseased and rotten branches
  • Branches with fungus

Make absolutely sure that the cut is made on a knot and without damaging the bark list or the knot collar. The cut must be straight and clean. Fraying must be avoided at all costs.
Using a wound balm is not necessary as trees - especially oaks - seal off wounds themselves. If you still want to use a balm, apply it thinly to the edges of the wound to protect the cambium from drying out.

Don't prune too much

Pruning oak trees encourages the development of new shoots. If you cut back the tree too much, this can permanently damage the tree and lead to problems again and again.

Have old oak trees cut by a specialist company

Old oaks tend to produce a lot of deadwood. Dead branches pose a danger to passers-by and buildings. They must therefore be removed.

For very old trees, you should hire a specialist company to cut them back. Such companies have the necessary tools such as extendable ladders and climbing aids. In addition, the employees are trained in the pruning of oak trees.

You can also hire the company to get approval from the municipality for pruning.

tips

You should never cover large wounds caused by cutting back thick branches with pond liner or anything else. This procedure is outdated and it is now known that such materials create an ideal microclimate for the formation of fungi, which can lead to infections and rot.

Category:

Trees