August represents the moment of maximum intensity of the summer season. The high temperatures, combined with reduced atmospheric humidity and water stress to which the plants are subjected, make this month particularly delicate for each maintenance intervention.
Pruning in such extreme climatic conditions can cause significant damage: the wounds exposed to the sun tend to dehydrate faster, increasing the risk of fabric necrosis and facilitating the entry of pathogens. In addition, the reduction of the leaf surface compromises the photosynthetic ability at a time when the plant needs all its resources to resist the heat.
Trees to avoid pruning in August
Among the arboreal species, some are particularly vulnerable to summer pruning. The cypress, for example, is a resinous conifer that slowly scars with high temperatures, making the wounds a weak point for the plant.
The poplar suffers rapid dehydration of fresh wood and the removal of branches in the height of summer can compromise its vitality.
The maple is also sensitive, since the cuts in this period can cause loss of sap and burns on young branches.
The juniper, characterized by a compact hair, risks weakening and opening up if subjected to excessive pruning.
The fir, whose growth is concentrated above all in the spring, undergoes a strong slowdown in the vegetative recovery if cut in the summer.
Finally, the cedar is particularly exposed to the risk of attacks by insects xilophagus and mushrooms when it is pruned during the hottest months.
Al evergreen shrubs: why postpone cuts
The evergreen shrubs maintain photosynthetic activity throughout the year, and this makes them vulnerable to summer pruning, which reduce natural protection against the sun and can encourage excessive evaporation of water from the ground.
The agrifoglio, for example, uses its leathery leaves to shield the branches; Removeing them in the torrid months means directly exposing the cortex to solar radiation.
The laurel, also appreciated for its aromatic properties, can undergo a significant loss of essential oils if pruned with high temperatures.
Finally, the ligustro if pruned in summer tends to produce weak and tender shoots that do not have enough time to mature before the arrival of the cold season.
Aromatic herbs: be careful not to weaken them
Aromatic herbs, often cultivated for culinary purposes, require light and targeted pruning.
Basil, for example, bears the top of the inflorescences well to prolong the production of leaves, but a drastic cut in August can slow down its ability to regenerate.
Sage suffers if pruned on old wood during the heat, risking to block the vegetative recovery.
Rosmarino, being a Mediterranean plant, resists high temperatures but can undergo irreversible dryings if deprived of large portions of hair in the summer.
The chives, despite being quite resistant, significantly slows down the regrowth if cut too low in full sun.
The thymus, if it pruned excessively, loses the coverage of the soil that helps to retain humidity, while the Dragoncelo prefers light interventions, since aggressive cuts can reduce its production capacity.
The management of pruning during the summer months must be marked by prudence. August, in particular, is the month in which it is preferable to limit yourself to the removal of dry or damaged branches, avoiding structural or containment interventions.
Most species find more favorable conditions for pruning during autumn or at the end of winter, when the most mild temperatures and the humidity of the air allow a faster healing and a vigorous vegetative recovery. Respect for the optimal calendar for each species is not only an aesthetic question, but a fundamental practice to guarantee the health, longevity and productivity of plants over time.
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