This is how the autumn cut succeeds

The best time to cut back

In general, the rule applies that Buchs should be cut between April and September, the last date being mid-September at the most. So pruning is not advisable in autumn, for several reasons:

• Cutting back stimulates the plant to sprout again, but this is not a good idea just before winter.
• The shoots that are now sprouting no longer mature in time, so that a Frost damage threatens.
• A pruning in autumn favors Fungal diseases.
• With a strong autumn pruning, there is a risk that the box will be cut in spring no longer drives out.

Why pruning early in the year is better

Instead, edit your book once in spring and a second time in early summer. It used to be said that the plants should not be cut back before the end of April for frost protection reasons. It is now known, however, that early pruning - even before budding - is an effective protection against fungal diseases and pests such as the box tree moth. Both fungal spores and pest eggs overwinter in the box and appear when it is warm enough from around the beginning of March. Therefore, according to more recent guidelines, a pruning between January and March is recommended, provided it is frost and rain-free at this time.

Cutting time depending on the weather conditions

In any case, the weather plays a major role in determining the right time to cut: to reduce the risk of fungal infections, you should never use Buchs cut when it rains. Even a day with bright sunshine is not suitable for such a project, as it can lead to sun damage. Instead, choose a time when the sky is overcast and it is also not raining.