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Pruning in January: Crown Lifting Lime Trees
What is Crown Lifting?
Crown lifting is when you remove the lower branches of a tree to improve access, visibility, and sunlight penetration.
Why Crown Lift Deciduous Trees in Winter?
Winter is the best time to crown lift deciduous trees because they are dormant and leafless, making it easier to see their structure.
Benefits of Crown Lifting:
- Improves access under the tree
- Opens up sight lines
- Lets in more light for plants around the base
Step-by-Step Guide to Crown Lifting a Lime Tree:
1. Assess the Tree:
- Decide where you want the branches to start.
- Identify any branches that need to be removed for safety or access.
2. Make the Cuts:
- Use a pruning saw for thick branches, loppers for medium branches, and secateurs for thin branches.
- Make cuts close to the trunk but leave a small “collar.”
3. Trim Smaller Branches:
- Check the rest of the tree for dead, diseased, or damaged branches and trim them off.
- Step back regularly to ensure the tree remains balanced.
Other Plants to Crown Lift:
- Weeping trees
- Multi-stemmed trees
Pruning Shrubs and Trees in January:
- Prune shrubs that flower on new stems, such as dogwoods, potato vine, lacecap hydrangeas, and shrub roses.
- Avoid pruning shrubs and trees that flower on old stems, such as deutzia, star magnolia, and plum trees.
Thrifty Tip:
- Use the branches you remove as hardwood cuttings to create new plants.
