Tasmanian blue gum: when and how to prune

Tasmanian blue gum: when to prune it?

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In April, when the hardest frosts are over and the plant starts to grow again.

What else to prune in those months? April

Tasmanian blue gum: how to prune it?

1. To keep the blue juvenile foliage, cut the plant back every spring to 30–60 cm above the ground: it regrows with juvenile leaves.
2. Cut frosted branches back to live wood; wait until you can see where new buds are appearing.
3. In a pot, shorten the leader and side branches to keep it compact.
4. A tree you allow to grow on only needs pruning when there are dead or broken branches.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: April.
• Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in April can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Fig tree
• Holly
• Olive tree
• Peach tree

Plant profile: Tasmanian blue gum · Pruning calendar and basic rules