Trees Pruning instructions

I Plants

Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf'

  • Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf', known for its manageable pruning requirements, can grow up to 8 meters tall. To maintain a smaller, more manageable size in a garden setting, follow these pruning guidelines

  • Best Time to Prune: Late Winter or Early Spring: Prune before new growth begins to minimize the risk of frost damage.

  • 1 - If the tree has a strong central leader, consider pruning back a few buds from the top.This will encourage the tree to thicken up and grow upwards more slowly, resulting in more compact thicker structure.

    2 - Inspect the tree for any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

    Use clean, sharp pruning tools to cut these branches back to healthy wood.

    Keep the Stem Clear. Remove any shoots or suckers growing at the base or along the stem of the tree.This helps maintain a clear, strong central trunk.

    3 - Decide on the desired shape and size of the tree.

    Prune by cutting close to a bud, ensuring you cut at an angle to encourage proper growth direction. Focus on maintaining an open structure to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy, promoting healthy growth.

M Plants

Magnolia grandiflora (As a pleached tree)

  • Magnolia grandiflora can grow into a large tree if left unpruned, so maintaining its size is important in a garden setting. They can tolerate hard pruning to reduce or maintain a reasonable size and shape, such as a pleached or trained wall plant. However, hard pruning is not common with most magnolias, as many do not respond well to it.

  • Prune in early spring before new growth begins to reduce the risk of frost damage.

  • 1. Keep the stem clear: Cut off any shoots at the base or on the stem of the tree.

    2. Shape the head: Prune by cutting close to a bud to encourage desired growth.

Magnolia Grandiflora (clear stem tree)

  • Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf', known for its manageable pruning requirements, can grow up to 8 meters tall. To maintain a smaller, more manageable size in a garden setting, follow these pruning guidelines

  • Best Time to Prune: Late Winter or Early Spring: Prune before new growth begins to minimize the risk of frost damage.

  • 1 - If the tree has a strong central leader, consider pruning back a few buds from the top.This will encourage the tree to thicken up and grow upwards more slowly, resulting in more compact thicker structure.

    2 - Inspect the tree for any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

    Use clean, sharp pruning tools to cut these branches back to healthy wood.

    Keep the Stem Clear. Remove any shoots or suckers growing at the base or along the stem of the tree.This helps maintain a clear, strong central trunk.

    3 - Decide on the desired shape and size of the tree.

    Prune by cutting close to a bud, ensuring you cut at an angle to encourage proper growth direction. Focus on maintaining an open structure to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy, promoting healthy growth.

P Plants

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer

  • The Chanticleer pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer') is a medium-sized deciduous tree that requires minimal pruning. It grows tall and upright. While it can be lightly pruned to maintain its size, it is best left to grow with very little to no pruning once established. Due to its size and its negative reaction to hard pruning, it is not suitable for most gardens.

  • Late Winter to Early Spring (Dormant Season)

    Optimal Time: The best time to prune the Chanticleer pear tree is during its dormant season, typically in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. This timing minimizes the risk of disease and allows the tree to heal quickly as it enters the growing season.

    Benefits: Pruning during dormancy reduces stress on the tree and provides a clear view of its structure, making it easier to identify and remove problematic branches.

  • 1. Remove Low Stems: Identify any stems or branches that are growing too low on the trunk. These should be cut back to their point of origin to maintain the tree's proper shape and to direct energy towards the upper and more desirable branches.

    2. Inspect the Tree: Examin the overall structure the tree. Look at the top of the tree to identify a strong, central leading branch (also known as the central leader).

    2.2 Select the Dominant Leader: If there are multiple branches competing to be the central leader, choose the strongest and healthiest branch. Prune back the competing branches to their point of origin to ensure a single dominant leader.

    3. Minimal Pruning Once Established: Once the tree is established, very little to no pruning is required. If there are crossing branches or multiple stems competing to be the central leader, prune accordingly. Keep the central leader clear of any shoots.

    By following these steps, you will help establish a strong and well-structured tree.