How to prune washington hawthorn

Late winter to early spring, before new growth emerges (February–March). Use loppers or pruning saw to remove dead, crossing, and inward-growing branches first. Then selectively thin the canopy to open it up. Cut to a lateral branch or collar; avoid flush cuts. Remove suckers from the base as they appear.

Annually. Washington Hawthorn benefits from annual pruning to maintain shape, improve air circulation, and encourage berry production. Remove crossing, dead, or diseased branches and trim to an open structure. Wear thick gloves — thorns are sharp. Without pruning, trees still fruit but can become dense and disease-prone over time.

Use loppers or pruning saw to remove dead, crossing, and inward-growing branches first. Then selectively thin the canopy to open it up. Cut to a lateral branch or collar; avoid flush cuts. Remove suckers from the base as they appear.