Spring cutback

When deciduous varieties get shaggy in Spring, it’s often a good indicator that it’s time for cutback. To keep these trees strong, I generally cutback to 3 or 4 buds and only remove growth in strong areas. A small number of cuts can make a big difference in appearance.

Plum – early May

Plum – after cutback

For more vigorous varieties like Korean hornbeam, I but back to 2-3 buds and partially defoliate by removing most of leaves but leaving weak and interior foliage alone.

Korean hornbeam – May

As the interior leaves are shaded by the exterior leaves, I tend to move partially defoliated trees under shade cloth to give the tender foliage a chance to adjust to the light. I also watch the watering after defoliating as reducing the number of leaves on a tree often reduces its water needs.

Depending on the weather, new buds can appear within days. Here’s the same tree about one month after cutback and partial defoliation.

Korean hornbeam – one month later

I typically leave these trees alone in Summer, and then add fertilizer in Fall to give them the food they’ll need to push new buds next year.