How to Prune Lancewood?

(Pseudopanax crassifolius)

Lancewood, also known as Toothed lancewood

A New Zealand native, lancewood emerges with long, narrow leaves, transitioning to a broadleaf shape with maturity. Prune to shape young plants and remove dead or damaged branches. Winter is the optimal pruning time, allowing lancewood to recover in spring. Pruning promotes healthy growth and air circulation. Ensure clean, angled cuts to prevent disease. This species tolerates pruning well, enabling size control and maintaining an attractive silhouette.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Lancewood?

Pruning lancewood encourages robust growth and maintains its form. Strategic cuts stimulate stronger, healthier branches, while shaping enhances aesthetic appeal and prevents overcrowding that could impede vigor.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Lancewood?

Winter

The late winter to early spring period before new growth starts is ideal for pruning lancewood to ensure minimal stress and avoid cutting into new growth cycles. Pruning during this dormant season is beneficial as the lack of leaves allows for a clearer view of the plant's structure. It also minimizes the risk of transmitting diseases and reduces the chance of sap loss, which can be more prevalent in warmer months. Additionally, cutting back at this time gives lancewood the opportunity to heal and direct energy to new, healthy growth as the growing season commences.

Identify plants and enhance your pruning skills

Want your plants to thrive? Check out expert tips on pruning timing, techniques, and care to confidently tackle any gardening challenge!

Download the App for Free

What Tools Do I Need to Prune Lancewood?

Hand Pruners

Ideal for cutting thinner branches and stems on lancewood, ensuring sharp, clean cuts without damaging the plant's tissue.

Loppers

Suitable for reaching higher or deeper branches which are too thick for hand pruners, typically required as lancewood matures and develops thicker growth.

Pruning Saw

Necessary for larger branches that hand pruners and loppers cannot handle, allowing for precise cuts without harming the structure of lancewood.

Pole Pruner

Helpful for trimming branches at greater heights without the need for a ladder, keeping the upward growth of lancewood in check.

How to Prune Lancewood

Clean Tools

Begin by sanitizing your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water or use rubbing alcohol to wipe the blades.

Inspect Plant

Examine lancewood thoroughly to identify dead or diseased branches. Look for branches with discoloration, fungus, or any signs of decay.

Remove Dead

Using sharp and clean pruning shears, carefully cut dead branches at the point where they meet healthy wood. Make the cut at a slight angle to allow water runoff and prevent rot.

Cut Diseased

For diseased branches, prune 4-6 inches into the healthy tissue to ensure the complete removal of any infected material. Disinfect your tools immediately after cutting diseased branches to avoid contaminating other parts of lancewood.

Dispose

Dispose of the removed dead or diseased branches properly. Do not compost them as they may harbor pathogens. Instead, burn them or discard them with household waste to prevent disease spread.