Easy Pruning Guide for Trees and Shrubs: Step-by-Step Tips
Pruning trees and shrubs not only helps them maintain a good shape but also promotes healthy growth and prevents the spread of diseases. Proper pruning techniques can extend the life of the plants and ensure they look their best in the garden or yard. Here are some step-by-step pruning tips to help you better care for your trees and shrubs
Choose the Right Time
1.Trees
Most trees should be pruned during their dormant period when sap is not flowing, typically from December to February. Exceptions include species that bleed sap heavily if pruned after sap begins to rise in February, such as birch, maple, elm, willow, and walnut. These should be pruned in January.
2.Evergreen Shrubs
Broadleaf evergreens like hollies, euonymus, and boxwood, as well as needled evergreens, can be pruned at any time. However, for severe pruning, it's best to do it just before new growth begins in spring, typically between March 1 and March 15.
3.Flowering Shrubs
Spring-flowering shrubs that bloom on last year's growth—such as forsythia, quince, azaleas, mock orange, spiraeas, weigela, lilacs, snowball, wisteria, spring-blooming hydrangeas, and some climbing roses—should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming. Pruning before they bloom will remove the buds.
Summer-flowering shrubs like althea, buddleia, desert willow, and vitex should be pruned just before the new growth starts in spring, generally from March 1 to early April.
Prepare Appropriate Tools
The success of pruning often depends on whether you have the right tools. Sharp and clean pruning tools not only make the job easier but also reduce damage to the plants, promoting quicker healing. For example, sharp pruning shears are ideal for cutting smaller branches, while a garden saw or lopper is better for thicker branches. For increased efficiency, consider using electric pruning tools, especially when dealing with large gardens or parks. Maintaining sharp, clean tools and using them properly will help ensure successful pruning and promote the health and longevity of your trees and shrubs.
1. Pruning Shears
•Bypass Pruners: These are ideal for making clean cuts on live branches. They feature two blades that slide past each other, similar to scissors, which reduces damage to the plant.
•Anvil Pruners: Suitable for cutting dead or hard wood, these pruners have a single blade that closes onto a flat surface, crushing the branch as it cuts. They are not ideal for live branches as they can cause damage.
Summer-flowering shrubs like althea, buddleia, desert willow, and vitex should be pruned just before the new growth starts in spring, generally from March 1 to early April.
2.Loppers
•Bypass Loppers: These are used for cutting thicker branches that are too large for pruning shears. They have long handles and a bypass mechanism similar to bypass pruners, allowing for a clean cut.
•Anvil Loppers: Similar to anvil pruners but with longer handles, they are useful for cutting through thicker, dead branches.
3.Pruning Saws
•Hand Saws: These are used for cutting larger branches that are too thick for pruners or loppers. They come in various shapes and sizes, including curved and straight blades, to accommodate different cutting angles.
•Pole Saws: For high branches that are out of reach, pole saws attach to the end of a telescoping pole, allowing you to prune without using a ladder.
Follow Specific Pruning Steps
The goal of pruning is to remove dead, diseased, and misshapen branches. First, inspect the tree or shrub and remove any dead or diseased branches at their base. Next, prune any crossing or poorly growing branches that may affect the plant’s health and appearance. Finally, ensure that the plant’s shape remains balanced with evenly distributed branches.
•1.Start from the Bottom: Begin by removing dead and diseased branches from the bottom. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also increases air circulation, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
•2.Prune Upwards: Move upward to remove overlapping, crossing, or improperly growing branches. This helps the tree or shrub focus nutrients on the healthy branches.
•3.Control the Amount: Avoid removing too many branches at once; it is generally recommended to prune no more than one-third of the total branches at a time. Over-pruning can weaken the plant, causing slow growth.
•4.Cut Above the Buds: Prune just above the buds, avoiding cutting too close and damaging them. Buds are essential for new branch growth, and proper cutting positions encourage healthy new growth.
Post-Pruning Care
Trees and shrubs need proper care after pruning. After finishing the pruning, you can add some organic fertilizer to help the plants recover and promote new growth. If you have pruned large or thick branches, it is advisable to apply a healing compound to the cut areas to prevent infection.
Additionally, keeping the soil moist is crucial. Especially during the period following pruning, plants require extra water to support new growth. Regular watering will help the plants recover from pruning.
For instance, after pruning her wisteria, Sarah noticed that the plant showed signs of wilting. To help the wisteria recover more quickly, she regularly added organic compost around the roots and ensured it received adequate water daily. A few weeks later, the wisteria revived, began sprouting new shoots, and bloomed beautiful purple flowers in the summer. Post-pruning care is just as important as the pruning itself; only by combining both can you ensure the long-term health and beauty of your plants.
By mastering these pruning techniques, you can ensure that your trees and shrubs remain healthy and display their best form in your garden or yard. Regular pruning not only contributes to plant health but also enhances the overall beauty of the landscape. These steps help you carry out your pruning tasks effectively, adding more vitality and charm to your green spaces.