Whether as a growth brake, for care or to promote fruit production: many trees need summer pruning. This is not a severe pruning, which is banned nationwide until October due to the Nature Conservation Act, but rather a caring cut. You can find out which trees to cut in August and what should be taken into account in the article.
Which trees to prune in summer? With these fruit trees you now have to use scissors!
Not all fruit trees need summer pruning, but the following species benefit from it. This keeps the growth compact and ensures that all branches, leaves and fruits receive sufficient sunlight. This shortens the ripening time and the trees are less likely to fall victim to bacteria and fungi. In addition, targeted pruning measures can promote renewed sprouting and the formation of fruit shoots.
Summer pruning for the apple tree
A nourishing pruning in early to mid-August is optimal for the apple tree. This gives the tree enough time to recover and prepare for the coming autumn. Shoots that grow inwards or upwards are removed. Weak, annual branches are also cut off. Ultimately, the nourishing pruning should allow free air circulation between the branches so that the leaves and fruits can dry more quickly after rain.
Shorten sweet cherries after the end of the harvest season
Unlike the other fruit trees on this list, the sweet cherry can also tolerate severe pruning. In August, the crown is primarily brought into the correct shape. The branches are cut at an angle so that rainwater can drain away and the miracles heal faster.
Cutting pears: caring cut in midsummer
Pear trees are cut after the end of the vegetation phase, i.e. around the beginning to mid-August. This prevents late sprouting before the beginning of autumn and allows the cuts to heal better. You try to remove ailing shoots and bring the tree crown into shape. Severe pruning is out of the question because that would weaken the fruit tree.
Which trees to prune in summer? Walnut tree
August is the best time to prune a walnut tree. The tree grows very quickly, but pruning it is of no use. However, it will promote renewed, stronger sprouting next spring and is therefore pointless. Instead, you should thin out the tree crown and completely remove some of the shoots.
Peach tree needs pruning in August
The peach tree is one of the trees that cannot survive without annual summer pruning. Thanks to targeted pruning measures, the tree is rejuvenated. All shoots that do not bear fruit are removed. You try to thin out the crown so that all branches and fruits get enough direct sunlight. The crown is then made into a plate shape. Woody shoots are also completely removed.
Cut espalier fruit in summer
Espalier fruit cannot cope without a training cut in summer. Depending on the type of fruit, different cutting measures are taken:
- In the case of pears, the tips of the fruit shoots are pinched off or cut off.
- With espalier apples, remove the unnecessary shoots that do not bear fruit and only shade the other branches.
Which shrubs do you prune in summer?
In summer you not only cut trees, but also certain shrubs. We list the trees and explain what care measures are necessary.
Shorten panicle hydrangeas and shape them
Panicle hydrangeas are actually cut in spring. But if you missed the right time, you have a second chance in late summer and autumn. Panicle hydrangeas are not sensitive to frost and, even if cut in October, frost damage is rare or non-existent. In August the hydrangea can be shortened by a third. This cut is only suitable for young plants.
Older panicle hydrangeas that need severe pruning are not cut until October due to the Nature Conservation Act.
Rejuvenate bush roses
The right time for caring pruning of bush roses is spring. Then you can also rejuvenate old plants. In late summer to early autumn, the dead flowers are removed. This prevents the formation of fruit heads and the plant saves energy for the winter months instead. Dead branches, bare and diseased shoots are also cut off.
Cut summer raspberries now
The summer raspberries are cut after the end of the harvest season. The plant is thinned out and shortened by a third. The shoots that have already been harvested can be cut off close to the ground.
Rejuvenate old hibiscus bushes in August
If the hibiscus is not cut back annually, flower production will decrease after just a few years. To save the plant, it is cut back heavily in spring. By August the bush will have formed new shoots - now is the right time to thin it out a bit.
Which climbing plants should you prune in late summer?
Most climbing plants can survive without summer pruning. However, there are two exceptions that should be cut in August and September. The first iswild Wine, where the optimal time for a caring cut is between August and September.
Wisteria requires summer pruning
Wisteria also needs summer pruning. The side shoots in particular are shortened somewhat. For older bushes, remove the flower heads after they have faded.
Care and topiary for these hedge plants
Most hedge plants are cut in early spring. However, there are two exceptions that require summer pruning in order to get through the winter well.
- Hornbeam hedges are shaped into the desired shape by mid-August. Then ailing shoots are also removed.
- Yew hedges also require pruning and care in summer. Then the plants are shortened and thinned out.
Hedgerows provide food and nesting opportunities for numerous species of birds. Therefore, all severe pruning is strictly prohibited until October. However, self-care cutting measures should be carried out very carefully. You should always check the hedge for breeding birds first so that the chicks are not injured. The same applies to all larger bushes - always check for nesting sites first and only then carry out pruning.
