When to Cut Eucalyptus
While many people assume fall to early spring is an appropriate time for eucalyptus trimming, this isn’t the case at all. In fact, pruning too near the onset of cold weather or post freezing temperatures can trigger dieback and encourage disease. The best time for pruning eucalyptus is during the heat of summer. Although some bleeding of sap may occur, these trees actually heal quicker in hot weather. For large wounds, however, applying a wound dressing may be necessary after cutting to prevent infection. Also, you may want to avoid cutting eucalyptus tree plants during excessively humid conditions, as this can leave them susceptible to fungal infections, which are most prevalent under these conditions.
How to Prune Eucalyptus Tree
There are several methods for pruning eucalyptus, depending on your needs and the species grown. This includes the following:
Hedge pruning is a suitable method for species like E. archeri, E. parviflora, E. coccifera, and E. suberenulata. In order to shape these trees into hedges, prune them at the end of their second season, removing about a third of the height and cutting in a pyramid shape. Continue to remove about one-quarter of the tree the following year and thereafter in the same manner. Specimen pruning helps keep eucalyptus looking attractive when used as a focal point in the landscape. Do not cut any lower branches for the first 6 feet (2 m.). Instead, wait until the tree has at least two season’s growth. Keep in mind that many of the faster growing species will actually shed lower branches on their own. Coppicing is another method of eucalyptus pruning to help control the tree’s height. With this method, slightly angle the cuts, pruning back about 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) from the ground and removing all side shoots. For unsightly or leggy growth, cut back to about 6 inches (15 cm.) from the ground. Select the best looking shoot and allow this to develop, cutting all others. Pollarding encourages branching at the tops of trees and lower height. This pruning is recommended for trees that are at least three to six years old. Cut eucalyptus tree trunks about 6 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) from the ground, leaving the side branches.
