Before the cut
The cutting tool must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with alcohol before use so that the juniper does not get diseases. Use gloves as the sharp needles can quickly lead to injury. The slightly toxic sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive people.
also read
- How to properly plant junipers - tips and tricks
- How to cut an old juniper
- What to consider when cutting creeping juniper
The ideal time
Topiary cuts are possible during the entire growing season. Intensive pruning must be carried out outside of the bird breeding season, otherwise fines may be imposed. Radical pruning during the breeding season can destroy nests. Even if you want to get the wood into shape, you should carry out the maintenance measure outside of the breeding activity. This starts on March 1st and ends on September 30th.
Cutting rhythm
Although the juniper is one of the slow-growing trees, it should be cut back annually. Choose an overcast and cool day in spring to prune the shrub. If you shorten the shrub before it shoots, it can sprout well in the coming growing season and form dense branches. Pruning measures are also possible in October, when the shrub has grown out of shape during the summer.
Conservation pruning in hedges
Hedges and bushes are cut trapezoidally so that the lower branches and leaves get enough light. This shape is not only visually appealing, but also prevents scaling in the lower area. Remove dead branches and stretch cords so as not to lose sight of the desired shape.
Align your hedge trimmer (€ 135.56 at Amazon *) parallel to the plant. Using your guides, cut the juniper from the top to the base. Corners are rounded slightly to increase the incidence of light.
Topiary in solitary trees
Individual shrubs are suitable for creating special growth forms. With the help of a template, you can shape balls, spirals or animals from your juniper. The appropriate shape can be tinkered with wire and placed over the plant. Dead shoots are removed before the topiary. All protruding branches are cut back, whereby each cut should start in a branch fork.
Design cut for bonsais
Junipers are popular in bonsai art because they allow for extravagant shapes. The cut is particularly important for this. The wood is well tolerated by pruning, but tolerates regular pruning measures better than radical pruning.
Tips for the right cut:
- Regularly clip off the shoot tips
- avoid radical cuts
- Remove protruding fibers with tweezers
- Completely remove bare branches
Removing dead branches requires some preparation so that there are no gaps in the bonsai. Shoots must develop above and below the targeted branch to hide the gap. Alternatively, a bare branch can be used for the deadwood design.
