Lavender trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can become overgrown if they’re not properly pruned. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to prune a lavender tree to keep it looking its best.
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Pruning a Lavender Tree
Pruning a lavender tree is a relatively easy task that can be done in just a few steps. First, you will need to gather the proper tools. You will need a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears. You will also need a ladder if your tree is too tall to reach from the ground. Once you have gathered your tools, you are ready to begin pruning your lavender tree.
What You’ll Need
Lavender trees are best pruned in the late winter or early spring, just before they begin to produce new growth. You’ll need a sharp pair of pruning shears, as well as gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the plant’s prickly leaves.
When to Prune
Lavender trees should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will ensure that the tree has time to heal before it starts putting out new leaves and flowers.
How to Prune
Lavender trees (Lavandula) are an ornamental type of lavender that are often used as accent plants or topiary forms. These small trees are typically seen with a single trunk and densely packed branches that produce small, purple flowers. Lavender trees can be pruned in either a formal or informal manner, depending on the desired shape and size of the tree.
Formal pruning of a lavender tree is typically done when the tree is young, in order to create a desired shape. To prune a lavender tree formally, start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Next, cut back any branches that are growing outside of the desired shape of the tree. Finally, trim back any remaining branches to create a symmetrical and evenly-sized canopy.
Informal pruning of a lavender tree is done to remove crossing branches, thin out the canopy, and encourage new growth. When pruning informally, start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Next, cut back any crossing or rubbing branches to promote airflow through the canopy. Finally, thin out the canopy by removing some of the inner branches to allow more light and air to reach the lower parts of the tree.
Caring for a Lavender Tree
Pruning a lavender tree is a necessary task to ensure the health of the tree and to promote new growth. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any wood that is crossing or rubbing against other branches.
Watering
Lavender trees require very little water and can actually rot if overwatered. It is best to wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering your tree. You can test the dryness of the soil by sticking your finger about an inch into the ground. If the soil feels moist, do not water.
Fertilizing
Lavender grows best in lean, well-drained soils. This means that they do not need a lot of fertilizer to thrive. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually do more harm than good. If you feel that your lavender needs a little boost, use a very light hand when applying fertilizer. A general-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be used, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Overfertilizing can burn the roots of your lavender and damage the plant.
Mulching
Mulching around the base of your tree will help to keep the roots cool and moist and will also help to suppress weeds. Use a thick layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or straw, and extend it out to the drip line of the tree (where the outermost leaves end). Be sure to leave a few inches of space between the trunk of the tree and the mulch so that the bark does not stay too wet and rot.