Beskære

Beskære is the Danish verb for pruning or trimming plant growth by removing parts of stems or branches. In horticulture, beskæring refers to the practice of shaping and maintaining trees, shrubs, and other plants. The aim is to control size and form, improve light and air inside the canopy, remove diseased or damaged material, and encourage flowering or fruiting where appropriate.

Pruning has several common purposes. Structural pruning develops a strong framework and reduces break risk. Maintenance or renewal pruning helps sustain vigor by removing dead wood, crossing branches, and shoots that grow inward. Renewal can also direct growth to desired areas or promote rejuvenation in old plants. Different plants require different approaches; flowering shrubs, for example, are often pruned according to their bloom cycle.

Techniques are guided by simple principles. Make clean cuts with sharp tools, and cut just above a bud or at the junction where the branch meets the trunk or a larger limb. Avoid leaving stubs and minimize damage to the bark. Sterilize tools between plants to reduce disease spread. Remove diseased, damaged, or dead wood first, then address crowding, weak crotches, and outward-facing growth to improve structure and light access.

Timing varies by species and objective. Many deciduous trees and shrubs are pruned in dormancy during winter or early spring. Plants that flower on old wood are often pruned after flowering, while those that bloom on new growth may be pruned in late winter to encourage vigorous shoots. Always consider the plant’s growth habit and local climate when planning beskæring.