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Mid-winter is the best time for
deciduous tree
and rose pruning. Don't prunespring and summer flowering shrubs
until after they flower.
Careful plant selection and
placement—taking a plant’s possible ultimate size and cultural needs into
consideration—can eliminate the need for much unnecessary pruning. Different
techniques are needed for different types of plants, so before you approach your tree,
shrub or vine with pruning shears, take a little time to find out what will work best for
that particular plant.
The following are some very basic
guidelines:
-
Prune most deciduous trees and
shrubs while dormant.
-
Prune flowering shrubs right
after blooming.
-
Remove any dead or damaged wood
and shape where needed.
-
Don’t leave long stubs that
can rot and cause disease.
-
For bushier growth remove the
terminal bud.
-
Remove suckers and water sprouts
(see drawing).
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Don’t use pruning paint on
the cuts. Studies show wounds heal better if left unpainted.
-
Remove any crowded or rubbing
branches (see drawing).
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Rinse pruning tools in bleach
solution to kill any disease organisms that might be carried from plant to plant.
To
Limit Tree Size:
-
Summer
prune (no winter prune).
-
Prune to two-year old wood.
-
Cut out vigorous limbs and
shoots.
-
Create a long distance from the
ground to the lowest branches.
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Encourage heavy fruiting (this
uses growing energy).
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Plant trees close together.
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Use competitive groundcover.
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Limit water and fertilizer.
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Prune to horizontal branches.
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Plant in heavy clay soil.
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Plant graft union high above the
soil.
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