Have you ever thought that pruning could damage your plants instead of helping them? In February, some trees and shrubs must not be pruned, otherwise you risk compromising their flowering and the production of fruits. Find out which one to avoid and why!
The pruning It is a fundamental practice for the health of plants, but doing it at the wrong time can have negative consequences. Some species, if you cut in February, can lose their ability to flourish or become vulnerable to diseases. It is important to know the cycle of growth of each plant not to make mistakes that could compromise the entire harvest or the beauty of your garden.
But why some plants they should not be touched In winter? The main reason is that many of them develop buds already in autumntherefore a pruning in this period would eliminate future flowers. Others, however, are sensitive to mushrooms and should not be cut until the temperatures rise. If you want to have a healthy and lush garden, You have to know which species to leave intact until spring.
The danger of pruning in February
Prune at the wrong time can cause More damage than benefits. In February, many plants are still in one vegetative rest phase Or they are preparing their spring flowering. If you cut the branches in advance, you risk reducing the number of flowers and fruitsmaking the plant less productive in the following months. The spring flower plantslike Rododendri and Camelie, form the buds in autumn. If you can now eliminate the gems, depriving your garden of abundant flowering. The greatest risk? You will not be able to remedy until the following year.
Also some fruit treesin particular those of the group of drupacee (cherries, plums, apricots), should not be pruned in winter. The cut this season makes them vulnerable to fungal infections such as the silver leaf, which can weaken the entire plant. Better to wait for the summer to intervene safely. Another common mistake is to prune ornamental trees too early. Many caduc -leaf trees, such as thehorse chestnutthey need time for Close the wounds of the cut And if they are pruned in winter, they can develop diseases or grow irregularly. To avoid these problems, carefully observe each plant and understand its growth cycle. In many cases, Winter pruning can be usefulbut it is essential to know which species must not be touched before.
Plants not to be pruned out of season
Some plants must be left quiet until the end of their flowering or until the arrival of milder temperatures. If the pots in February, you risk damaging their natural development and to compromise the beauty of your garden.
Here are what plants you don’t have to prune in winter:
- Comune Camelia – It blooms between winter and spring. By pruning her now, you would eliminate its buds.
- Cherry – Sensitive to fungal infections, it should not be cut in winter to avoid diseases.
- Dogwood – Its flowers develop on the branches of the previous year. If you prone it, you risk not seeing it flourish.
- Hawthorn – It produces a spectacular flowering in the spring. Cut it in February means to reduce its beauty.
- Horse chestnut – Winter pruning can weaken it and make it more vulnerable to diseases.
- Mountain laurel – Better to wait for the end of spring flowering before intervening.
- Azalee and Rododendri – They form the buds already in autumn. Cut them now means losing flowering.
- Oleandri – They can’t stand the cold well and should only be pruned at the end of the summer.
If these plants are in your garden, wait for the right time to prune them And enjoy a healthy and luxuriant flowering in the spring months.
The details that matter
Pruning is not just a matter of timingbut also of technique. Some plants tolerate net cuts, while others need more delicate interventions. In addition, the winter climate It can make plants more vulnerable, so to prune them too soon could slow down its spring recovery.
Another aspect to consider is the type of pruning: in addition to the classic maintenance pruning, there is that of rejuvenationuseful for older or more suffering plants. Before cutting, evaluates if it is really necessary or if the plant only needs targeted fertilization.
Finally, always use sharp and disinfected tools To avoid infections.
A precise cut reduces stress for the plant and guarantees one healthy and lush flowering in the following months.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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