Japanese crab apple: when and how to prune

Japanese crab apple: when to prune it?

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In winter, in January–February, to shape the crown. Cut out water shoots in July.

What else to prune in those months? January · February · July

Japanese crab apple: how to prune it?

1. Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches, and branches growing inwards.
2. Keep the crown open so that light and air get in and the leaves dry quickly.
3. In July, cut off the upright water shoots on the branches.
4. Otherwise prune lightly: hard pruning mainly produces lots of new water shoots.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: January–February and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
• 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 July can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Japanese crab apple flowers in April–May, when it attracts bees.
• In October–November birds eat the fruit: leave some on the plant or on the ground.
• 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

• Apple tree
• Crab apple
• Siberian crab apple
• Almond tree
• Apricot tree
• Beech

Plant profile: Japanese crab apple · Pruning calendar and basic rules