How to prune crabapple 'hanagasa'

Late winter to early spring while fully dormant, just before buds begin to swell — typically late January to early March depending on your zone. Remove water sprouts, suckers, and inward-growing branches first, then thin crossing limbs to open the canopy. Never remove more than one-third of total foliage in a season. Sterilise tools between cuts to reduce fire blight risk.

Annually. Yes, Crabapple 'Hanagasa' needs annual pruning to maintain its flowering form, control size, and prevent fungal disease. Prune to remove water sprouts, crossing branches, and dead wood, and to open the canopy for airflow. Hanagasa blooms on previous year's wood, so timing is critical — prune too late and you sacrifice next season's flowers.

Remove water sprouts, suckers, and inward-growing branches first, then thin crossing limbs to open the canopy. Never remove more than one-third of total foliage in a season. Sterilise tools between cuts to reduce fire blight risk.