förnyelsebeskärning

Förnyelsebeskärning is a Swedish term referring to a type of pruning technique used on woody plants, particularly shrubs and some trees. The core principle is to rejuvenate old and unproductive plants by systematically removing older stems. This encourages new growth from the base of the plant, leading to a more vigorous and floriferous or fruitful specimen over time.

The process typically involves removing about one-third of the oldest, thickest, and least productive stems each year over a period of three years. This gradual approach minimizes stress on the plant and ensures a continuous appearance of foliage and flowers or fruit during the rejuvenation period. It is distinct from rejuvenation by cutting everything back to the ground, which can sometimes shock a plant.

Förnyelsebeskärning is particularly effective for shrubs that tend to become leggy and less attractive with age, such as lilac, forsythia, and certain rose varieties. By removing the oldest wood, sunlight and air circulation are improved, benefiting the remaining and newly emerging shoots. This leads to improved flowering, fruit production, and overall plant health and form. The timing of förnyelsebeskärning varies depending on the plant species, but it is often done during the dormant season, either late winter or early spring before new growth begins.