How to prune crataegus laevigata 'paul's scarlet'

After flowering in late spring to early summer; structural work can also be done in late winter. Wear heavy gloves and use sharp bypass secateurs. Remove dead, diseased, and crossing shoots, then thin congested areas to let light into the centre. Cut just outside the branch collar. For size control, shorten long laterals after flowers fade.

Annually after flowering for shape; structural pruning every 2–3 years as needed. Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' (ornamental hawthorn) responds well to annual pruning to keep its shape and remove congested growth. Prune after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Remove dead, diseased, crossing, and inward-growing branches. Wear thick gloves — thorns are sharp and numerous.

Wear heavy gloves and use sharp bypass secateurs. Remove dead, diseased, and crossing shoots, then thin congested areas to let light into the centre. Cut just outside the branch collar. For size control, shorten long laterals after flowers fade.