Looking out my window, I am enjoying the sunlight and beautiful plants in bloom. While this is exciting, I realize that I have a bit of work to do in my garden and landscape. As the weather warms, many gardeners look forward to getting their hands dirty and their landscape in top form. As we discussed last, there are specific times to prune our plants.
A quick review and a basic rule of thumb for flowering shrubs and small trees: Prune in the early spring for plants that bloom in the summer. For those that flower in the spring, pruning is best after they finish flowering; otherwise, you will remove this year’s blooms. There are always exceptions, so knowing why you are pruning is essential.
This leads us to the next question how do I prune? What is the difference between “pruning” and “trimming” interchangeably, there is a difference.
Pruning takes place with a tree or shrub keeping overall health and growth in mind. Pruning is usually done to achieve specific goals such as:
· Removal of dead or diseased wood
· Removal of old growth to make room for new growth
· Removal of branches that rub which can create wounds
· Thinning a crown of overgrown branches and limbs that make a tree unstable
· Raising the canopy to increase visibility
· Improving overall structure
Depending on your goal for the individual plant, the end result is a healthier and more pleasing tree/shrub.
Trimming trees and shrubs is the practice utilized to control the shape or size.
· Shaping and reducing the size of decorative shrubs
· Removing tree branches or reducing a crown
Now that we have distinguished the differences between pruning and trimming, what do you do now? We know the importance of pruning, but how do you prune properly? There are guides available through your county extension and your local professionals to assist you; but here are a few tips.
· Use sharp clean tools
· Make cuts with a bud facing the direction you want it to grow
· Prune just above the bud at a 45-degree angle
· Do not leave more than one-fourth inch of growth above the bud
· Only remove one-third of a shrub’s branches at one time
Patience is key when you are rejuvenating a poorly pruned shrub. It may take more than one growing season to fully restore its shape and vigor. Consistently following proper pruning will give impressive results over a period of time. This gradual approach will allow the shrub to maintain its structure while encouraging healthy growth.
Proper shrub pruning is a valuable and important skill that requires time and attention to detail to improve your plantings. With regular care, a beautiful thriving landscape is available for everyone. Until next time, spend time with family and friends enjoying your landscape.
