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Should I prune this hawthorn tree, or can I wait?

Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
edited 3 February in Problem solving
I am wondering if it's OK to leave this hawthorn tree for now, or whether it should be pruned.
In the photo there is the line where it was last pruned 2 years ago where the branches are denser, with the more spindly branches that have grown since.
Thank you very much.

Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    The big question is, do you actually need to prune it? If you have to keep it to a certain size then take the clippers to it but otherwise, it should be just fine as it is.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It’s also not a good idea to prune trees or do hedging work at this time of year because of the risk of disturbing nesting birds … best left until between September and the end of January. 👍 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Thank you Ceres - yes, I'm not quite sure really - I suppose I'd prefer to leave it if that's OK, if it doesn't look overly big or need it for some reason.  That's good then, I think I will leave it for the time being.
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    edited 3 February
    Thank you Dovefromabove - you are so right, I am ultra aware of this. I did trim some trees yesterday, just 2 days into February, and checked very carefully for nests first. I would not trim later than today. Thank you again, this is so important. <3
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It certainly doesn’t ‘need’ to be pruned, and you’ll get much better blossom and berries this year if it’s not pruned now. 
    Also hawthorn is as tough as old boots so when it does need bringing down to size 😉 you can cut it back as hard as you like … it will reshoot again with no problem, even from the trunk if you cut it really hard back.  👍 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    That's very helpful Dovefromabove, to know it is not requiring it. I will leave it for now and look forward to some nice berries and blossom hopefully this year.  Excellent that it will be happy to be pruned hard sometime, I didn't know that about hawthorns.
  • BenDoverBenDover Posts: 488
    Just be careful its not a Fairy Thorn tree.  Given where it seems to be located and all on it's own, it may well be! Beware. ;) 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Fairly certain Fairy Thorns are an Irish phenomenon 😉 
    Dont think @Pink678 lives on the Emerald Isle. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Yes I am in England. I don't think it's a Fairy Thorn, but best to be on my guard. I will report back immediately if I spot any. :o
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    👍  🧚‍♀️  😉 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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