Pruning guide
How to prune autumn olive
More autumn olive care
Pruning autumn olive — FAQ
When should I prune autumn olive?
Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. Cut the oldest, thickest stems to ground level each year to encourage fresh productive canes. Thin crossing branches and trim long outward shoots at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud. Remove no more than one-third of total growth per season.
How often does autumn olive need pruning?
Annually or every two years. Autumn Olive is a vigorous, fast-growing nitrogen-fixing shrub that benefits from regular pruning to stay in bounds. It can become large and sprawling without management. Remove oldest canes at the base to renew the shrub, and thin the centre for airflow. Never remove more than one-third of the plant in a single season.
How do you prune autumn olive?
Cut the oldest, thickest stems to ground level each year to encourage fresh productive canes. Thin crossing branches and trim long outward shoots at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud. Remove no more than one-third of total growth per season.