How to Prune Brainerd's Hawthorn

Overview

The Brainerd's hawthorn is a shrub native to Quebec in Canada and New England in the United States. Used for erosion control to help stabilize banks, Brainerd's hawthorn also provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. The hawthorn can grow up to 30 feet tall and 7 inches in diameter. The leaves are triangular shaped, which become smooth with age. The fruit of the Brainerd's hawthorn is globe-shaped and bright red in color. Brainerd's hawthorn is found growing along riverbanks and prefers full sunlight. It is also very tolerant to pollution, making this an ideal shrub to grow in urban settings.

Step 1

Prune the Brainerd's hawthorn in the late winter or early spring in order to ensure a clear shoot leader. This will encourage growth the following season.

Step 2

Prune the top of the Brainerd's hawthorn using pruning shears, and prune the top end of the main stem. Remove all side branches that are gnarled and weak. The goal is to produce one strong stem.

Step 3

Prune all broken and diseased branches by cutting off the entire branch. Remove all sucker stems, which shoot out from the root of the Brainerd's hawthorn, when they become noticeable.

Step 4

For young Brainerd's hawthorn shrubs, prune to one central shoot, and remove the weakest sapling branches to allow more nutrients to the young plant.