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Pruning guide

How to prune kauri

Best time
Late winter to early spring; only in dry weather
How often
As needed (rarely); hygiene is paramount
Technique
Remove dead or diseased branches with thoroughly sterilized, sharp tools, cutting back to healthy wood. Maintain the single central leader if damaged by selecting one replacement shoot. Keep cuts minimal — avoid removing more than one-third of foliage in a season.

More kauri care

Pruning kauri — FAQ

When should I prune kauri?

Late winter to early spring; only in dry weather. Remove dead or diseased branches with thoroughly sterilized, sharp tools, cutting back to healthy wood. Maintain the single central leader if damaged by selecting one replacement shoot. Keep cuts minimal — avoid removing more than one-third of foliage in a season.

How often does kauri need pruning?

As needed (rarely); hygiene is paramount. Kauri self-prunes its lower branches naturally as it matures. Pruning should be minimal: remove dead or diseased wood only. Kauri is highly susceptible to Kauri dieback disease, so always sterilize tools thoroughly before and after working on the tree. Never prune during wet weather, as moisture spreads fungal spores.

How do you prune kauri?

Remove dead or diseased branches with thoroughly sterilized, sharp tools, cutting back to healthy wood. Maintain the single central leader if damaged by selecting one replacement shoot. Keep cuts minimal — avoid removing more than one-third of foliage in a season.