Spring pruning of shrubs: less branches means more fruit

Spring is the time of year when not only the bed itself needs to be addressed, but also the various trees and shrubs. We will therefore focus on shrub pruning, which is very important. It is not just a cosmetic treatment of the shrubs, but an intervention whose quality will determine both the quality and quantity of the fruit itself. We will take a step-by-step look at the pruning of the most famous shrubs. These will include currants, gooseberries and, last but not least, raspberries. All plants have their own specifics and need to be treated individually.

Cutting currants must leave enough young wood

It makes no difference whether red, black or white currants are pruned. The objective is simply clear and unambiguous. The result should be a light, airy bush with plenty of young wood. How to do it? First of all, remove the oldest dark and thick branches. Leave only the two- to four-year-old shoots. How many branches should the shrub have in total after pruning? Approximately 8 to 12 main branches. With blackcurrants it is important to know that they only fruit on annual wood. We can therefore be more vigorous in terms of pruning.

Currant cut: Photo Radek Stepan

The air must flow around the gooseberry tree

This is what is most important when pruning gooseberries. If the bush is very dense, the risk of it becoming infested with blight increases.

Any branches pointing inwards towards the bush itself must clearly be gone. Similarly, branches that are too long should be cut back. Old, weak and usually diseased shoots must not be forgotten. These have no place in the bush. The shape of the shrub should be strikingly similar to a bowl. We can imagine it when we shape the shrub. The centre of the bush will be perfectly lit and open.

For raspberries, it is important to know the type

Exactly. First we need to find out whether we have summer or autumn raspberries. Summer raspberries typically produce on biennial shoots. Now in March, dry and damaged canes are cut out, leaving only the strong shoots from last year. The weak and thin ones have to go. Autumn raspberries, on the other hand, produce on annual shoots. In March, we cut back the entire crop just above the ground. No residue should be left behind. Nothing complicated at all.

Tip: We have covered summer pruning of raspberries in more detail. You can read all about it in our article.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about spring pruning

What is most important when pruning currants?

To produce a bush with plenty of young wood.

How do I prune gooseberries?

So that the inside is as light as possible. It’s bowl-shaped.

What is important when pruning raspberries?

Knowing the species. Either you have summer or autumn raspberries.

Sources of info: Author

Raspberry cut: Thumbnail photo Radek Stepan