Pruning Tips

Pruning is the practice of selectively removing diseased, damaged, unproductive or structurally weak plant parts from crop and landscape plants. It also includes thinning out dense growth to open up the crown and improve air circulation. It can also be used to control shape and size of plants, create specialized forms such as espaliers and topiaries, and to maintain a desired aesthetic. Pruning is a necessary part of the care and management of almost all trees and shrubs. Without proper pruning, a plant can quickly become overgrown, sparse, and unsightly. Pruning can also help prevent insect and disease problems by removing dead or infested limbs that could spread to healthy plant parts.

Proper pruning can stimulate plant growth, encourage a more desirable shape or form, increase fruit production, and improve the overall health of a tree or shrub. To prune correctly, it is important to understand the growth habits of each species and the types of cuts used to achieve different goals. For example, a cut made flush with the trunk of a tree removes a large amount of photosynthesis-generating wood and can greatly reduce a tree’s ability to recover from damage or injury.

A good pruning job involves making a clean, smooth cut that does not injure the tree or shrub. Whenever possible, the cuts should be made at an angle that will prevent water from collecting in the wound and promoting decay or insect entry. Slanting the cuts, as opposed to cutting them straight across, will also expedite healing. When removing large branches, it is best to remove the entire branch, rather than a stub. This will not only look better but will be easier to manage in the long term and allow the tree to heal more rapidly.

It is also important to prune a tree or shrub at the right time of year. Certain species flower on wood grown during the previous season, so they should be pruned shortly after blooming (or even before they begin to develop new buds). Examples include azalea, lilac, gardenia, rhododendron, magnolia, forsythia, and mountain laurel. It is also best to prune most berry-producing plants in early spring before they start to grow.

In addition, the removal of dead or dying limbs should be done immediately. These limbs not only spoil the appearance of a tree or shrub but can provide food and shelter for harmful insects and diseases that can eventually kill living plant parts. Also, the limbs may fall and cause damage or injury to people or property.

Pruning should be limited to the first two or three years after planting a tree or shrub. In this way, the plant will have an opportunity to establish strong, well-rooted growth that will support future growth. However, in some situations, it may be necessary to prune mature plants if they are overgrown or becoming structurally unsound. These are situations that often call for the assistance of a professional.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/12/22/pruning-tips-2/