How to Prune Cerro Hawthorn

Overview

The cerro hawthorn is a shrub found growing from Washington to Wyoming. Used for erosion control along stream banks, the cerro also provides cover and nesting sites for small birds and rodents. The cerro hawthorn can grow up to 16 feet high and has dark green and smooth leaves. The white flowers cluster in groups of 10 and the fruit is reddish black in color. Cerro hawthorn is found growing along streams and riverbanks. It is wind tolerant and prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil.

Step 1

Prune the cerro hawthorn in the winter or early spring after the leaves fall. This process will stimulate growth for the following season.

Step 2

Cut the top of the cerro hawthorn using pruning shears, and prune the terminal bud, which is the top end of the stem and main area of growth. Prune all side branches that are old and weak. The goal is to produce and maintain one long, clear stem.

Step 3

Prune a broken or diseased branch by removing the entire branch. Remove all sucker stems, which shoot out from the root of the cerro hawthorn, as soon as they are noticeable.

Step 4

For young cerro hawthorn shrubs, prune to one central shoot, and remove the weakest branches to allow more light to pass through. This will free up nutrients for the rest of the cerro and allow the plant to thrive.