Instructions
Why do you make a leaf cut?
- for denser branching.
- so that the leaves can receive light evenly.
- to prevent the inner branches from dying off.
Complete leaf cut on a cornelian cherry.
Cut off the leaves and leave only 3-5 mm of the leaf stalk. You can leave the leaves on the inner small branches, but not too many (pay attention to airiness).
You usually use this method in the growth phase, when the shoots grow too much and become thick until the fall. The thick branches can no longer be bent. In extreme cases, a strong alder in the tray can develop 1-1.5 m long shoots with a diameter of 2-3 cm per season. You can no longer bend these branches, so you have to make 2-3 leaf cuts per season and reshape the tree.
With some varieties, even the older trees still grow so strongly that a complete leaf cut is necessary at the beginning of June. For example: elm, maple, oak, ash, ...
Important: After the complete leaf pruning, 1-1.5 months later, when the second budding has started and the leaves are large enough again, you must carry out a new thinning out so that the tree gets enough light.
Figure 1
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) before the leaf cut.
Figure 2
Figure 3
For a parallel budded variety, cut off the branch after the first pair of leaves.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Example of a complete leaf cut. On older trees, leave the inner branches and small leaves to make the tree stronger.
Figure 9
Here you can see a black alder (Alnus glutinosa) with full foliage.
Figure 10
A strong leaf cut in the growth phase of a black alder (Alnus glutinosa).
