Baobabs – like many other plants – propagate from a seed that is tiny for their size. This is the usual way and easy for plant lovers to germinate their own little baobab tree. But there is at least one other way to get two or even more additional baobabs from one baobab. With a little patience, baobabs can also be propagated from cut branches. You will learn how to go about it in the text that follows.
A very interesting, but unfortunately also somewhat more time-consuming way of propagating baobabs is to grow them from cut branches. A friend in South Africa who grew baobabs in a nursery for many years told me that she had propagated countless baobabs in this way. She simply cut branches from small trees, put them in containers with a mixture of water and sand and left them to themselves. In these buckets or tubs, the baobab branches quickly sprouted their roots.
My experiments in Germany were far less simple and anything but quick, but nevertheless successful. I usually propagate baobabs by cutting off the branches: Later in the summer, around mid-August, when the trees have almost finished their main growth phase, I cut off the most recent shoots. They should still have plenty of leaves, i.e. more than five to six leaves, and the stems should already show signs of lignification.
The baobab is an iconic tree native to Africa that is beloved for its massive bottle-shaped trunk and far-reaching branches. To maintain the baobab’s striking form and keep it healthy, periodic trimming is essential. Proper technique is key – improper trimming can stress the tree, inhibit growth, and even cause death. Follow this guide to learn when how, and how much to trim your baobab for optimal beauty and vigor.
Why Trimming is Important
Trimming a baobab provides several key benefits
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Removes dead, damaged, and crossing branches to improve health.
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Opens up dense growth to increase light and air penetration.
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Maintainsdesired size and prevents overgrowth in gardens.
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Shapes tree for aesthetic appeal and ornamental purposes.
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Rejuvenates growth by pruning back older branches.
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Reduces hazard of large branches breaking in storms.
Trimming both beautifies baobabs and keeps them strong and resilient. But it must be done carefully and deliberately to avoid harm.
When to Trim Your Baobab
Trim baobabs during their dormant season for best results. This reduces stress and allows proper wound closure:
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In tropical regions, trim in late winter/early spring when the tree has dropped its leaves.
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In cooler climates, trim in early spring before growth resumes.
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Avoid trimming during hot, dry weather which can shock the tree.
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Don’t trim during rainy season as moisture spreads disease.
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Only trim in summer if essential for safety – make conservative cuts.
Equipment Needed
Before trimming, gather these necessary tools:
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Bypass pruners for small branches
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Loppers for thicker growth up to 2″ diameter
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Handsaw for large branches
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Pole pruner/saw for high branches
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Sharp, clean tools to prevent jagged cuts
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Safety gear: glasses, gloves, sturdy shoes
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Disinfectant like bleach to clean tools
How to Trim Your Baobab
Follow these steps for trimming baobab trees successfully:
1. Remove Dead, Diseased, and Broken Branches
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Scan tree and look for dead/damaged branches, pruning back to healthy wood.
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Cut out diseased branches, disinfecting tools after each cut.
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Remove broken branches, cutting back to just outside the branch collar.
2. Eliminate Crossing Branches and Water Sprouts
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Cut out branches that rub or cross to prevent wounds.
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Prune back vertical water sprouts to encourage outward growth.
3. Thin Inner Growth to Open Canopy
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Clear out congested branches to improve air circulation.
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Remove inward-growing branches shading the center.
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Don’t overthin – leave evenly distributed foliage.
4. Shorten Long, Unruly Branches
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Cut back extra-long branches spoiling the baobab’s shape.
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Remove or shorten heavy branches posing a hazard.
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Maintain balanced appearance and natural form.
5. Limit Height and Spread If Needed
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If overgrown, cut main branches back by 1/3 to reduce size.
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Gradually decrease height/width over several seasons as needed.
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Retain wide-branching structure – don’t shear tops flat.
How Much Should You Prune?
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Never remove more than 25% of foliage at one time.
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Focus on thinning congested areas and shortening long branches.
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For size reduction, make conservative cuts over successive years.
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Leave some branching imperfections to maintain natural character.
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If unsure how much to prune, take a minimalist approach.
Aftercare
Once trimming is complete:
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Disinfect pruning tools to prevent disease spread.
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Water deeply if weather is hot and dry.
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Stake branches if needed to prevent breakage.
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Monitor for signs of stress; reduce pruning if observed.
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Admire your trimmed baobab as it thrives through the growing season!
Avoiding Trimming Mistakes
Some common baobab trimming errors to avoid:
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Trimming off too many branches at once, sending the tree into shock.
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Lopping off large branches and leaving unsightly stubs.
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Shearing the baobab into a rounded ball or box shape.
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Pruning heavily just before or during rainy season.
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Leaving broken but still-attached branches that can decay.
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Climbing into the tree to trim instead of using proper tools.
With the proper technique, timing, and tools, trimming your baobab will maintain its unique structural beauty and keep it healthy for decades or even centuries to come. Be conservative in your pruning cuts, avoid overthinning, and time trimming during dormancy for best success. Your efforts will be rewarded with a striking baobab tree that thrives season after season.
Baobabs – strong survivors in the wild
Baobabs, however, have even more surprises in store when it comes to the survival of the species. In various countries I have seen baobabs that were almost unrecognisable as such. In a village near Lake Malawi, the remnant of a baobab tree was “lying” – literally – on the ground. It sat there like a big grey boulder and could only be reconised as a fallen baobab at second glance. People had long since removed the branches and leaves of the former giant. The bark of the fallen giant showed signs of heavy usage. Up close, I could see that the tree was still alive. It had sprouted roots into the ground and thin branches grew from its bark – like little antennae. In the course of time and if animals and humans leave the giant alone – its branches will grow thicker and higher. Until it starts growing leaves it produces its food with chlorophyll-containing cells in its trunk. As it has stored nutrients and water, too, it may survive for quite some time and wait for better days ahead.
Video: Grow Baobabs from seeds
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Cutting a Baobab tree manually
FAQ
Can you cut a baobab tree?
How do you take care of a baobab tree?
What is the lifespan of a baobab tree?
How do you age a baobab tree?
Should you prune a baobab tree?
If the pruning is well timed, you get another baobab in your collection and ensure that the plant does not “grow over your head”. Another interesting aspect: by shortening the height, the tree has more energy that it can put into growing a thick stem. With pruning the bulbous trunk shape develops quicker than without cutting it.
How do you care for a baobab tree?
Fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer that contains a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and make sure to water your baobab tree regularly. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to water your baobab tree more often to keep it healthy and happy. Youll also need to protect your baobab tree from the elements.
How to grow a baobab tree?
Growing a baobab tree is a rewarding experience that can bring years of enjoyment. To get started, youll need to obtain some baobab seeds the species of tree native to Africa, Madagascar and Australia is Adansonia digitata. Once you have your seeds, youll need to choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Can baobabs be propagated from cut branches?
With a little patience, baobabs can also be propagated from cut branches. You will learn how to go about it in the text that follows. A very interesting, but unfortunately also somewhat more time-consuming way of propagating baobabs is to grow them from cut branches.