Spring
It is not necessary to fertilize mature Hawthorn trees in the spring, that is an optional job best done in the fall.
Summer
Water newly planted trees when rainfall is sparse for a year or more until they are established. Mulching the soil over the root zone year round with 2 or 3 inches of organic material such as chopped leaves or wood chips helps keep soil moist. Over the years the decomposing mulch will enrich the soil. Small trees may need temporary staking in sites exposed to wind.
Fall
Young Hawthorn trees will definitely benefit from an annual application of slow-release granular fertilizer, however in most landscapes, they will survive just fine without that supplement. If you do choose to fertilize, then September or October are the months in which to feed trees. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil under each tree out to1 1/2 times the distance from the trunk to the tips of its branches (its drip line).
Winter
The best time to prune Hawthorn trees is late winter. Remove any storm damaged limbs as soon as is feasible. You may wish, over a period of 2 or 3 years, to remove the lower branches up to 6 or 7 feet to avoid tangling with those sharp thorns.
While little additional pruning is needed, Hawthorns will accept hard cutting back. Dealing with the thorns makes pruning a hazardous undertaking, but many homeowners want to control the growth of young trees by treating them as shrubs and shaping them. Some shear young trees into hedges.
Spring
It is not necessary to fertilize mature Hawthorn trees in the spring, that is an optional job best done in the fall.
Summer
Water newly planted trees when rainfall is sparse for a year or more until they are established. Mulching the soil over the root zone year round with 2 or 3 inches of organic material such as chopped leaves or wood chips helps keep soil moist. Over the years the decomposing mulch will enrich the soil. Small trees may need temporary staking in sites exposed to wind.
Fall
Young Hawthorn trees will definitely benefit from an annual application of slow-release granular fertilizer, however in most landscapes, they will survive just fine without that supplement. If you do choose to fertilize, then September or October are the months in which to feed trees. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil under each tree out to1 1/2 times the distance from the trunk to the tips of its branches (its drip line).
Winter
The best time to prune Hawthorn trees is late winter. Remove any storm damaged limbs as soon as is feasible. You may wish, over a period of 2 or 3 years, to remove the lower branches up to 6 or 7 feet to avoid tangling with those sharp thorns.
While little additional pruning is needed, Hawthorns will accept hard cutting back. Dealing with the thorns makes pruning a hazardous undertaking, but many homeowners want to control the growth of young trees by treating them as shrubs and shaping them. Some shear young trees into hedges.
