Pruning Shrubs & Trees
Thinning / Pruning reduces the size of the plant (density), which allows more light and air to reach the plant's interior. This lessens its chance of developing disease. The plant also will produce more vigorous growth and become stronger. Removing damaged, dead, or dying branches will limit the spread of diseases. What are reasons for pruning?
Note: Pruning in the wrong manner or at the wrong time can do more harm than good. Each type of shrub or tree has different needs so just follow the directions of the nursery or garden center for specifics.
Prune diseased or damaged wood at any time. If you're cutting off a diseased branch, make sure to cut back to uninfected wood. You can usually tell by the color of the wood and bark what's healthy and what's not. Choose the place to cut carefully. Cut just above a new bud, and don't leave stubs or stumps which can serve as entry points for disease.
Clean cuts, slanted away from buds on branches, or flush to the branch or trunk on larger limbs, heal quickly. In most cases, your goal is to encourage the natural growth patterns of the tree, shrub, or vine that you're pruning.
The late dormant season is best for most pruning. Pruning in late winter, just before spring growth starts, leaves fresh wounds exposed for only a short length of time before new growth begins the wound sealing process. Another advantage of dormant pruning is that it’s easier to make pruning decisions without leaves obscuring plant branch structure. |