How to Prune Siberian Pea Trees

Caragana, commonly known as Siberian pea-shrub or pea tree, is a deciduous tree or shrub that grows well in well-drained, clay or sandy soil in full sun. Leaves grow on cascading, weeping branches. They are green during the spring and summer but turn yellow in the fall. Siberian pea trees have showy yellow flowers in midsummer. Siberian pea trees are hardy and low-maintenance. The plant grows in a shrub form but can be pruned to develop into a tree.

Pruning shears or pruning saw

Instructions

- 1
  Prune Siberian pea trees after flowering. The plant flowers in the spring, so blossoms develop during the growing season and overwinter in buds. Cutting them at the beginning of the season prevents the plant from flowering.
- 2
  Identify a central leader. Because Siberian pea trees grow into a bush if not pruned, you must choose the strongest upright branch to act as a trunk.
- 3
  Remove branches that compete with the central leader. Cut them off where they start growing. Also target branches and limbs that are crowded and rubbing against each other. These prevent optimum air circulation through the tree's canopy.
- 4
  Eliminate broken, diseased and dead branches whenever you notice them. Cut them off where they meet healthy branches that you plan to keep. Make the cuts flush; stubs invite infestation and decay.

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