Pruning Catalpa Trees: A Guide to When, Why, and How

‍Pruning catalpa trees is the best way to maintain the instantly recognisable shape of this enchanting plant. Also known as the cigar tree, the umbrella catalpa tree, or the Indian bean tree, the catalpa tree is a beloved plant for many homeowners and gardeners. 

This article delves into the detailed process of pruning a catalpa tree, its care, and how to keep a catalpa tree small. 

Read on to learn more about the beautiful catalpa bignonioides and how to care for it.

What is a catalpa tree?

The catalpa tree makes a magnificent addition to any garden. Belonging to the Bignoniaceae family, this deciduous tree is admired for its captivating blooming and unique shade foliage. 

It can reach around 8-10m and prefers full sun exposure. 

The catalpa tree is renowned for its resilience, which allows it to adapt well to different weather conditions and soil types.

Identifying the catalpa tree

As a small tree, catalpa has a sweeping growth characteristic with an umbrella-like shape. 

The tree’s typically white flowers bloom from June to July and are characteristically shaped like bells arranged in panicles. 

The leaves of the catalpa tree are heart-shaped and green.

The catalpa tree: position and soil

This hardy tree prefers a sunny to scattered light environment but is generally OK with a range of climates, making it ideal for the UK. 

Additionally, the catalpa tolerates both acidic and alkaline soil and handles drought well, which is more likely in sandy soil. 

If you’re unsure of your soil type, check out our article about improving your garden earth. 

The beauty of catalpa blooms

Catalpa trees are widely appreciated for their abundant and spectacular flowers that appear in June, resembling orchids or irises, adding an exotic touch to the garden. 

The blown blooms transform into long seed pods that dangle from the branches, like string beans on a vine. 

These bean-like pods led to the tree’s name ‘Catalpa’, which is a type of bean plant in the Cherokee language.

Ideal growth conditions for catalpas

Catalpa trees are fast growers, making them ideal if you plan to establish a shaded area in your garden within a few years. 

These trees love sunlight, making them excellent shade trees tolerant of most soil types, from sandy to clay and acidic to alkaline. 

However, your catalpa will only really thrive in well-drained soil. They will survive flooding, but for best results, add sand or well-rotted compost to clay soils before planting to improve the drainage. 

Plant your tree in the autumn to encourage root growth before the winter frost.

Pruning catalpa: when and why?

While the catalpa tree can thrive without pruning, occasional maintenance can help keep it in the best shape. Pruning is especially beneficial for young trees, ensuring stable growth and good shape as they mature. 

Prune your catalpa after it has dropped its leaves or at the end of winter, when the plant is dormant, but the freezing temperatures have subsided. 

Pruning catalpa is essential for several reasons:

1. To remove the lower branches that might touch the ground.
2. To eradicate dead branches or those twisting towards the inside of the tree.
3. To ensure the tree has ample growth potential.

And remember:

Cut at an angle just above and facing away from the bud.

How to “pollard” your catalpa

Catapas respond positively to hard pruning, so never be afraid to remove the larger branches if you need to reshape the foliage. 

Pollarding is cutting off the top branches to encourage fresh top growth, typically applied to young trees to help develop their shape. 

Catalpas react well to this pruning method, restricting the tree’s height and making it more shrub-like. 

However, wait until January to March to pollard your catalpa for best results.

How to prune a catalpa tree

Begin pruning your catalpa after its first year in the ground, trimming away any suckers from the base and cutting back the lower branches with a pruning saw, helping promote a straight, upright, central trunk. 

Keep the lower branches trimmed as the catalpa matures, allowing for easier ongoing maintenance.

Try to maintain the tree’s natural shape, which should always be taller than it is wide. 

Prune young trees regularly to promote a robust branching structure. And avoid shortening the main shoot and the side branches to prevent the risk of branches breaking.

Catalpa tree care: watering, temperature, and fertiliser

Catalpa trees are generally easy to care for, requiring little other than the water provided by the UK’s precipitous climate. However, it’s always a good idea to water well during the first few years while the tree establishes its roots. 

You won’t need to fertilise if your soil is moist and rich. However, when planting in clay, silty, sandy, or dry soils, apply a 10-10-10 fertiliser a few weeks after planting to promote healthy growth.

Dealing with catalpa tree problems

Catalpa tree problems can occasionally arise, such as diseases like Verticillium wilt and powdery mildew, or pests, such as voles, can attack your tree’s roots. 

However, the best approach to avoiding diseases is by keeping your catalpa tree healthy and strong. We recommend feeding your tree with nourishing fermented weed tea to protect it from fungal diseases and pests.

Another common issue that arises from the catalpa tree is the fallen seed pods at the end of the season, which become slippery on pavements, causing a potential slip hazard. So, avoid planting your catalpa near public pavements and footpaths. 

FAQs

Ready to go?

Pruning catalpa trees doesn’t have to be complicated. Indeed, regular care and attention can help prevent catalpa tree problems, ensuring that your tree remains a stunning feature in your garden. 

So, whether you’re keeping a catalpa tree small or letting it grow to its full height, this tree is a truly majestic addition to any outdoor space.

And you can find out all about pruning other types of garden trees, such as apple, fig, beech, yew, and conifers.

Happy pruning!

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!