Pruning is the removal of dead, diseased, damaged or unsightly branches and limbs from trees and shrubs. It is a necessary part of plant care and can also be beneficial in improving the appearance of the landscape. Proper pruning can reduce the risk to people and property as well as improve the health, beauty and value of a landscaped area. Pruning can be done at any time of the year. However, it is best to prune following a definite plan and determining the reason or purpose of the work before cutting begins.
Proper pruning can help a plant to grow more vigorously, resist insect damage and diseases, withstand heavy wind and snow loads and maintain its structural integrity. It can also help with site selection and planting planning by providing space for other plants, allowing for adequate sun or shade, promoting air circulation and improving the aesthetics of the landscape.
The types of pruning needed vary with the plant, location and desired results. Some examples are reducing density, opening the canopy, maintaining a symmetrical form, shaping and training and fruit production.
When pruning, make sure you remove all the dead limbs as soon as possible. This will minimize pest problems and encourage the growth of new foliage. Insects and diseases that harbor in dead limbs can move to the live parts of a tree or shrub causing damage or even death.
Removing water sprouts (shoots that shoot straight up from the base of a branch) and suckers is important to control the shape and growth pattern of a shrub or tree. This will allow for proper air circulation and prevent rubbing or chafing of branches.
Creating headroom is a type of pruning that involves trimming the lower branches of a tree or shrub to provide clearance for pedestrians, parked cars and other structures. It can also be used to start training a young tree for pollarding or trellising to form an espalier. In orchards, this is the standard pruning method for most species of fruit tree to increase productivity and facilitate picking.
Pruning to shape and train is a common technique to develop a mature, graceful form or for ornamental purposes. This is done by removing crossing, rubbing, crooked, or weakly attached branches as well as shortening the length of long, overhanging branches. When shortening a branch, be careful not to cut too close or too far from a bud or pair of buds. If the bud is cut too close, it dies and will not produce new growth.
Pruning can be a time consuming and labor intensive task when performed on large established shade or fruit trees. For this reason, it is usually best left to qualified arborists or professional landscapers. The professionals at Zodega TIS can explain the appropriate pruning schedule for your garden and help you develop a plan that will fit your needs. Contact us today to learn more!
from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/02/19/pruning-tips/
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