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Regular and proper pruning is a way to keep your hawthorn trees healthy and attractive. With a bit of routine care, your plants will grow vigorously but still be neat and manageable. This simple and practical guide explains why, when, and how to prune hawthorn trees to keep them healthy and beautiful. Key points to keep in mind: Do not prune until the plant is well-established Shape and structure the plant while it is still young Prune every 3-5 years during the dormant period Prune hawthorn trees lightly Why Prune a Hawthorn Tree? Pruning is an essential part of caring for any tree and hawthorns are no exception. While they tend to develop a strong structure naturally, regular pruning offers many benefits for the tree’s health and appearance. Here is why pruning is important: To improve overall health: Removing dead, diseased, and damaged branches allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth. To maintain the shape: Pruning keeps the tree or hedge neat, good-looking, and visually pleasing. To encourage new growth: Cutting back branches stimulates fresh growth which leads to a fuller, more vibrant tree. To enhance flowering and fruit production: Pruning also helps the tree direct its resources toward producing more flowers and fruit. To improve air and light circulation: Thinning the canopy allows sunlight and air to reach deeper into the tree which reduces moisture build-up. To lower the risk of pests and fungal infections: Overcrowded branches can create shaded and damp areas which are ideal for pests and diseases. When to Prune Hawthorn Trees? The best time for maintenance pruning of hawthorn trees is late winter or early spring. After planting a hawthorn tree, let it grow naturally for a while before you prune it for the first time, usually until it reaches 1.5 - 2m in height. If you start pruning too early, you may slow down the tree’s growth. That’s why it’s best to wait and let the tree establish itself first.Once your hawthorn tree is established, you can start shaping it by removing crossing or crowded branches, suckers, and water sprouts. If you want a well-trained tree, you need to create a single leader with branches growing outward. To achieve this, lower branches should be gradually removed over several years. Taking off just a few each year helps prevent stressing the tree too much.Mature trees only need pruning every 3 to 5 years. You should still remove water sprouts, suckers, damaged and diseased branches annually. Since hawthorn trees naturally form a sturdy structure, they don’t need much pruning.So when is the best time to prune a hawthorn tree? The best time for trimming hawthorn trees is in winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. That prevents sap bleed, which can lead to disease or infection. You can also do some light shaping after flowering in late spring if needed. How to Prune Hawthorn Trees? To properly prune your hawthorn tree, follow these steps: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches: This will ensure your tree stays healthy and strong. Cut close to the branch collar – where the branch meets the trunk. Avoid cutting flush with the trunk, as this can damage the tree. Thin the canopy: By cutting back overcrowded branches, you will improve light and air circulation throughout the tree and reduce the risk of disease and fungal infection. Cut lower branches: These branches need to be cut to maintain a strong, single trunk and a well-structured tree shape. Maintain shape and size: Keep the tree looking neat and attractive by trimming back branches. This will also encourage new growth. Make all cuts just above a lateral twig or bud that faces the direction you want the branch to grow. Care to Take When Pruning a Hawthorn Tree or Hedge Pruning hawthorn trees can be challenging because of their large thorns. Therefore, you must prepare protective clothing, sturdy gloves, and safety goggles. Pruning saws, loppers, and secateurs must be sharp and clean. You need to make clean cuts to reduce damage and minimise the risk of infection.It's also important to disinfect your tools between cuts, especially if you spot any diseased branches. You wouldn’t want to spread the disease throughout the tree or hedge. Also, remember not to over-prune and cause too much stress to the plant.

Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ / Double White Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ is a rounded, thorny deciduous tree. It produces masses of scented double white flowers in the late spring\early summer. The oval green leaves turn yellow and red in the autumn. It also produces red berries, which are ideal for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual  height of 4-8m and spread of 4-8m. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is a beautiful small, deciduous tree. It is a variety of Midland Hawthorn, has sharp thorns on its branches and an almost weeping habit. It produces single dark red flowers in the spring. These have a pronounced white eye and are followed by red berries. The green leaves turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is a very hardy tough ornamental tree, with an eventual height of 5m and spread of 4m. It will grow in most well drained soils.  It can survive on exposed, coastal (but be aware of how close to the coast you are), polluted and damp conditions. This tree is also good for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ is a small-medium deciduous tree. It produces double red flowers in the spring. The lobed glossy, small dark green leaves turn red in the autumn, when it also produces red fruits. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ can be grown in full sun and partial shade. It can also be positioned in sheltered and exposed positions, and can withstand a little salt wind, so it is a tree that could be considered if you are near the coast. It is a tough tree, good for wildlife, with an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 4-8. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is a deciduous, small flowering Hawthorn. The tree produces masses of double pink flowers in May. It has dark green, deeply lobed leaves. These turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. The red berries that appear in autumn are good for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is a very hardy tree, an has sharp thorns. It is an ideal tree for a limited space and can withstand difficult conditions. These include coastal, exposed, polluted and damp conditions. This tree has an eventual height of 5m and width of 4m. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ can also withstand heavy pruning. Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ is a variety of Cockspur Thorn. In our opinion it is one of the most attractive of all thorns. It  produces green, glossy leaves turning a blaze of orange\red\yellow in the autumn.  It produces masses of white flowers in May, followed by bunches of large, rich, red fruit from autumn onwards. A small tree that can stand heavy pruning, and an exceptional wildlife tree. A very  hardy tree – “as tough as old boots”.     

Many of our clients are concerned about screenage choices, so visit Arundel Arboretum if you’re looking for fast growing shrubs that will improve privacy. We have an excellent range of evergreen shrubs suitable for screenage – whether you are looking to screen a neighbouring property, replace existing trees and shrubs or just looking for something that is fast growing and will provide a degree of privacy for you Choosing an evergreen shrub will provide screenage all year round, and they can even act as a windbreak. Most evergreen shrubs require little maintenance to keep them looking good, so they are an excellent choice if time is a premium. Despite being evergreen, they will always shed their old foliage each year as the new growth starts to appear. When visiting Arundel Arboretum, we will be able to advise you on the best plants for your conditions and position of your garden. For example, if you live near the sea you will need to choose plants that can cope with the salt and wind. You also need to give consideration to the location of the planting position – will it be near a wall, building or pathway for instance? We have blogged about fast-growing shrubs for privacy before. This gives lots of useful information on things to consider and plant ideas. However, another plant that is worthy of consideration is: Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ This evergreen shrub produces masses of stunning white flowers during the summer months. It has a pyramidal shape, with an eventual height of 5m. The leaves are deeply serrated around the edges. It can be pruned to keep its shape and height. Alternatively, it is an ideal choice to create an evergreen hedge. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is classed as a reasonably hardy tree and should be able to withstand temperatures between -5 to -10. It will be happy in full sun in a good, well-drained soil. However, if you plant your tree in an exposed position or in adverse weather conditions it can get damaged. We would recommend providing shelter in cold areas. We have a good selection of Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ in stock. Why not pop in and take a look? We have various sizes and forms to choose from and people always on hand to help.