Trees and shrubs need regular pruning to help them grow healthy and stay beautiful. Pruning is also important to repair storm damage and maintain clearance for structures, pedestrian traffic, and sight lines. Some of the most common reasons to prune are to remove diseased or dead branches, rubbing or crossing limbs, branches that are growing too close to a structure, thorns on lower limbs or trunks, suckers, water sprouts, and other objectionable growth.
While pruning can be a time consuming task, the rewards are many. A well-executed pruning program will not only improve the health and beauty of your plants but will increase the value of your property as well.
When pruning, it is always best to work with the natural shape of the plant in mind. When possible, try to avoid removing large swaths of branches or wood. This can weaken the overall form and structural integrity of the plant. When necessary to reduce a tree’s height or spread, make the cut in a manner that will promote future strong and vigorous growth.
Proper pruning practices help minimize the risk of limb failure, and will reduce the frequency of repairs required to keep trees and shrubs looking their best. To maximize the aesthetic qualities and overall vigor of shrubs and trees, pruning should be done any time temperatures are above twenty degrees. It is most effective to prune in early spring before the rapid growth of the season.
A common mistake that people make is to prune to the wrong point. Often, this is due to a lack of experience or knowledge of proper pruning techniques. It is important to learn how to prune properly and be guided by a professional when first starting out in the garden.
Steve explains that the most important thing to remember when pruning is, “What did you envision for this plant when it was planted?” It is essential to prune with the goal of achieving that vision. Whether it is to provide privacy, produce fruit, or be a focal point in the garden, a plant’s potential can only be realized through proper pruning.
The most important pruning objective is to remove dead, dying, or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed. This will prevent the spread of disease to other areas and allow the plant to focus energy into new growth. Water sprouts should be removed as soon as they appear, and crossing or rubbing branches should be removed to prevent chafing between limbs. This will lead to a more open and attractive shape.
Other objectives include shaping for structure and reducing size. For example, fruit trees should be thinned by heading cuts to encourage fruit production and to control the tree’s overall size. The method of pruning for this varies by species, so check with your local nursery, garden center, or extension agent for detailed instructions on this. It is not a good idea to top trees that are in decline, as this will remove the majority of the photosynthetic area and lead to rapid tree decline and death.
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