Photo: Şahin 1, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Conifer
Nordmann fir: when and how to prune
Abies nordmanniana
Nordmann fir is best pruned in August–September.
| Pruning months | August–September |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Little |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Nordmann fir: when to prune it?
Dead, diseased and broken branches can be removed at any time of year. If pruning is needed, do it in August–September.
Nordmann fir: how to prune it?
- Don’t prune, and never cut off the top to keep it small: the side branches will then grow up crookedly.
- Saw off branches that are too low or in the way completely, back to the trunk.
- If the tree has two leaders, remove the weaker one.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August–September.
- Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
- Most conifers do not regrow from old, bare wood. So never cut back into the brown part (exception: yew).
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in August 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.
- Cutting back into bare brown wood: it will not regrow from there.
- Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: If it becomes too big for the garden, pruning is no solution: replace it in good time instead.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from European silver fir
Plant profile: Nordmann fir · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.