Simply explained with video instructions

What is the aim of the thinning cut?

Over time, an impenetrable tangle of old and young shoots forms in an uncut shrub or tree. The branches shade each other, which hinders the vital photosynthesis. The denser the growth of the shoots, the more doggedly they fight for water, nutrients and light. Sterile branches without flower buds have the say here, because they invest their forces in the vehement growth in length. The consequences are premature aging, poor growth of flowers and fruits and unbridled outward expansion. Furthermore, pathogens and pests have easy play in the weakened wood.

A clearing cut effectively prevents the problems. With the help of a strategically clever cut, you ensure a

light-flooded and airy growth and promote a balanced ratio of branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. The result is a vigorous and resistant plant in which pathogenic pathogens have bad cards. Because of this objective, the type of cut is also referred to as a maintenance cut.

Which shoots are thinned out?

The clearing cut targets all shoots that are detrimental to vitality and form. The following shoots are a case for saw or scissors:

• Dead wood of all Branch categories and Drive types
• Twigs pointing steeply upwards or inwards
• Remove the weaker from two shoots that are too close together
• On grafted ornamental and fruit trees, all wild shoots sprouting out of the rootstock

Numerous shrubs benefit from a clearing cut, which results in continuous rejuvenation. For this purpose, two to four of the oldest ground shoots are thrown out every year from the fifth year onwards. Cutting back at ground level stimulates the growth of new branches that sprout directly from the roots.

What should you watch out for when making the cut?

The clearing cut focuses primarily on the complete removal of dead and unwanted shoots in shrubs and tree tops. The aim of the cut is not to damage neighboring branches. You can do that by turning every shoot on Astring cut. as Astring is the name given to the bead that is located in the transition from the branch to the parent branch or trunk. How to do it right:

• Sharpen and disinfect cutting tools
• Start on the top of the branch and cut or saw in one go
• Smooth the edges of the wound with a clean, sharp knife
• Place the scissors or saw on the ground shoots of bushes just above the roots

If you cannot see an astring when you cut a tree crown, make sure that the bark is not damaged when you cut it. If you cut or saw in a slightly inclined position downwards and outwards, rainwater can drain off the cut more easily.