Siberian spruce: when and how to prune

Siberian spruce: when to prune it?

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Rarely needed. Remove dead or damaged branches in August–September.

What else to prune in those months? August · September

Siberian spruce: how to prune it?

1. Saw off dead, broken or diseased branches close to the trunk, just outside the swollen branch collar.
2. If a young tree has two leaders, keep the strongest and cut out the other.
3. Never cut back into bare wood without needles: a spruce will not regrow from there.
4. Only remove lower branches if you really must, for example for a path.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: August–September.
• 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 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.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Norway spruce
• Serbian spruce
• Sitka spruce
• Colorado blue spruce
• Almond tree
• Apple tree

Plant profile: Siberian spruce · Pruning calendar and basic rules