Pleached Tree Aftercare: Watering, Pruning and Maintenance

Planting pleached trees is a great way to enhance outdoor aesthetics as well as privacy. Of course, for the pleached tree to stay looking great, you need to know about proper pleached tree care. This is especially important in the first year, as this period of time is critical for a healthy establishment. 

In this guide, learn how to care for pleached trees so they stay lush and beautiful for many years, giving your outdoor space plenty of added beauty. 

How Often Should You Water Pleached Trees?

Watering pleached trees is important to ensure they remain fully hydrated. How often you water them depends on the tree's age and the weather, though. For example, newly planted pleached trees should be watered every two to three days in the first few weeks during establishment. 

Weather and season play a role, too. You should generally water your pleached tree weekly during spring and summer, but you can stop during the autumn and winter, assuming there is enough rainfall. If the temperatures are particularly hot and dry in spring or summer, you should increase the frequency of watering the tree to a couple of times per week. 

Be sure not to overwater or allow the roots to dry out, and always water in the morning or later in the evening to prevent water loss. You should also check soil moisture before watering; do so about 2 inches below the soil surface. 

Do Pleached Trees Need Stakes and Supports?

Yes, pleached tree care includes having stakes and supports to keep it upright. 

This type of pleached tree support is crucial because it is a top-heavy plant. Strong winds can easily knock over the tree and even dislodge the root, causing serious damage. To avoid this, you will need a heavy-duty stake system, planted about 40cm into the ground, so it stays tall and sturdy. You can also use a wooden or wire framework for this purpose; just be sure to avoid tight tree ties, as this can lead to girdling. 

It is a good idea to check and adjust ties as the tree grows. Plus, after around two to three years, you can remove the stakes because of the strong root system now in place. It is best to do this slowly with gradual removal rather than all at once!

When Should You Prune Pleached Trees?

Pruning pleached trees is another key part of the tree maintenance process. Generally, in the summertime, you should cut back any new shoots to about two to four buds, as this ensures it stays growing within the frame only. You should also remove any damaged or crossing growth as you see it occur. 

Pleached evergreen trees should start being pruned in late spring, such as in May, when frost is no longer a weather risk. You can also prune in the autumn before the frost hits. 

How Can You Keep Pleached Trees Healthy?

There are some steps you can take to ensure your pleached trees stay healthy for many, many years to come. You can: 

• Apply mulch around the base

• Feed if appropriate for the species (slow-release fertiliser is best here)

• Keep the area free from weeds

• Monitor for pests, diseases, and signs of stress

Also remember that caring for pleached trees starts with buying the right kind. At Hedges Hedges, we have premium pleached trees that are perfect for UK conditions, so you will have an easier time maintaining this stylish tree year-round. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do pleached trees take to establish?

The exact amount of time depends on the individual tree, but it generally takes between two and three years for pleached trees to establish. They need at least two seasons for it to happen. 

How often should pleached trees be watered?

When they are establishing, a pleached tree should be watered one to two times per week (or more often during dry spells). They will not need watering as much once they are established or during the winter. 

Can pleached trees be pruned every year?

Yes, pleached trees actually should be pruned yearly. Aim for spring or autumn, either after or before the frost hits. 

Do pleached trees lose their leaves?

It depends on the species of pleached tree. For example, pleached hornbeams naturally lose their leaves in autumn. However, beech trees have leaves that turn brown in autumn but stay on the branches.