Here's how to do it right

How much can you cut back?

Here the expert opinions differ greatly. Some plant enthusiasts advocate pruning the strawberry tree only carefully and at a young age. Others, however, even cultivate arbutus as bonsai. In this case, the professional cut is the most important design measure. The strawberry tree is therefore perfectly compatible with pruning, even if it is regularly pruned, sometimes it hardly bears any fruit.

As is so often the case, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In the first few years, strawberry trees still grow very bushy and quickly. They therefore have to be cut more frequently. The larger the plant, the slower and looser the natural shape builds up. Cutbacks are then no longer necessary as often. In addition, older trees bear either buds, flowers or fruit all year round, so you inevitably have to cut off these tree decorations.

How is it circumcised?

Horticultural sensitivity is required here:

• In early spring, only shorten shoots that do not bear fruit.
• In late summer, you can cut out branches that are too long. Watch out for any buds that could turn into flowers in the fall.
• Disturbing parts can be cut off during the entire growing season.
• Remove dead branches regularly.

With this maintenance measure, Arbutus branches better and grows nice and bushy.

When is it allowed to cut?

If a stronger pruning is unavoidable, the branches can be shortened in early spring before the start of the growing season. Arbutus can cope with this well, but you will have to do without flowers and fruits in the same, and perhaps also in the following year.