Why Prune? Pruning allows plants to grow more vigorously and helps them maintain a manageable size. It removes dead or diseased parts of the plant, which prevents further damage and disease spread. Pruning encourages the plant to put energy into new, healthy growth and can help with flowering and fruiting.
Tools for Pruning: The tools you use depend on the size of the plant:
- Pruning Shears: For smaller plants and branches.
- Loppers: For branches 1-2 inches thick.
- Pruning Saws: For branches thicker than 2 inches. Make sure to keep tools clean to prevent the spread of disease between plants.
When to Prune:
- Winter Pruning: Generally, it’s best to prune deciduous trees and shrubs during winter while they are dormant. This helps avoid shock.
- Spring Pruning: Prune spring-blooming plants right after they bloom to avoid cutting off buds for the next season.
- Summer Pruning: Deadheading (removing spent flowers) helps encourage more blooms.
- Autumn Pruning: Avoid major pruning in the fall, as it can stimulate growth that may not survive the winter.
How to Prune Trees and Shrubs: Start by removing any dead or damaged wood. Cut back any crossing or rubbing branches. Thin out the center of the plant to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. For flowering shrubs, prune back dead stems after blooming.
Common Pruning Mistakes:
- Cutting Too Much: Removing too much foliage or branches stresses the plant. Always cut gradually.
- Not Using Sharp Tools: Dull tools can cause injury to the plant and make cuts harder to heal.
- Pruning at the Wrong Time: Pruning at the wrong time of year can result in poor growth or missed blooms.