When do you trim hawthorn bushes

The white flowers are very similar to our native May Blossom, although they are produced about three weeks later, but the greatest features of this stunner show themselves in autumn when the foliage turns first golden yellow, then fiery orange and, if exposed to enough direct sunlight in summer, bright scarlet and coppery-purple. Whilst this colour change is happening, the berries mature into large, deep-red Haws, clearly displayed against the golden yellow leaf tints to entice hungry birds.

Skip to main content. Thorn Hedging Crataegus. Harder pruning will have a negative effect on a hawthorn tree and so should be avoided. Pruning is also important to eliminate damaged or diseased shoots, or those that have grown in a stray manner so that an aesthetically pleasing shape can be maintained. Hawthorn tree pruning should be carried out in late winter to early spring when the tree is in its dormant period in order to avoid sap bleed which can lead to disease.

Sap attracts insects, which bring with them fungal spores that can beset the tree with disease. Be sure to avoid trimming a hawthorn tree before it reaches maturity as this can lead to stunted growth. Always let it grow to a good metre and a half or more before you start pruning.

Hawthorn trees are prone to gall mites, aphids and caterpillars so be sure to look out for infestations whilst undertaking your pruning. Leaf spot can also be an issue, as can fireblight , a bacterial disease that kills the shoots of a range of trees including ornamental shrubs like the hawthorn tree. As its name suggests, the disease can lead to the plant appearing as though it has been scorched by fire.

Look out for wilting blossoms, cankers sunken bark and oozing white slime during late spring through to autumn. If fireblight is identified, the affected areas will need to be pruned out immediately. It is currently not a disease that needs to be notified. Never proceed with any tree work without first enquiring as to whether there is a Tree Preservation Order TPO in place. As Hawthorns are not typically used for formal hedging you do not need to be too precise when pruning your Hawthorn.

It is however recommended that you prune your Hawthorn with slightly sloping sides to allow light to reach the flowers and leaves near the base of the plant and keep your hedging dense.

At Hopes Grove Nurseries, our dedicated team have decades of experience growing various hedging plants and other plant species. If you would like more information about how you can best prune your Hawthorn or would like to purchase Hawthorn hedging plants, contact us online today.

Crataegus monogyna or the common Hawthorn, also known as quickthorn hedging, is one of the most common of English hedgerows, providing beautiful May flowers and edible berries.

Often featured in European folklore, the hawthorn or quickthorn is still a popular choice today. Hopes Grove Nurseries supply hawthorn hedge plants in potted hedging and bare root hedging forms. You can get in touch if you have any questions. Menu Menu. Similar Questions. The thick leaves are green year-round. Hawthorn shrubs grow in U. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11 and are tolerant of salt spray.

They require minimal trimming once established. Heavier pruning the first two years will encourage the shrub to branch out.