Mastering the Art of Pruning for Healthier Trees and Shrubs
At 10xtree, we understand that taking those first pruning cuts can be intimidating. However, there’s no need to be shy about it. With the right knowledge and tools, you can boost the health of your trees and shrubs, keep them looking neat, and even help them thrive, bearing beautiful fruit and blooms. Let’s dive into the basics of pruning, so you can confidently wield those pruning shears and transform your greenery into a masterpiece.
Enhancing Natural Beauty
Pruning is all about enhancing the natural shape of your trees and shrubs. When done correctly, it promotes healthy growth and maintains the plant’s original form. Creative techniques like decorative carving and training old plants can add artistic flair, but it’s crucial to avoid inappropriate techniques that can harm your precious plants.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pruning Trees
Let’s start with the “don’ts.” Timing is crucial when it comes to tree pruning. Most trees benefit from dormant pruning during the cold season when their structure becomes more visible after the leaves have fallen. This reduces sap flow from pruning wounds, and there’s no need to try to seal the wound—trees have a natural ability to heal themselves.
Topping, or cutting all vertical branches to the same height, should be avoided in most cases. While it might seem like a quick solution, it leads to weak, fast-growing branches that require constant maintenance.
On the flip side, here are the “do’s” of proper
tree pruning:
The Three D’s: Remove dead, damaged, and diseased limbs. These are easy to spot and can pose a threat to your tree’s health.
Internal Growth and Cross Branches: Remove branches that grow inward or cross each other. These disrupt the natural shape and can create wounds that attract pests and diseases.
Leave the Collar: When pruning a branch back to the trunk, cut just outside the collar—the thicker part of the trunk’s side.
Pruning Shrubs with Precision
Don’t forget your shrubs! Pruning is equally important for these lovely plants. For flowering shrubs, prune after they’ve finished flowering to avoid removing growing shoots. When performing maintenance pruning, make sure to prune slightly wider at the bottom to allow light to reach lower branches.
For older or overgrown shrubs, consider rejuvenating pruning. Over three years, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground in the first year, another 1/3 in the second year, and the remaining old stems in the third year to rejuvenate your shrub.
Safety First
We can’t stress this enough: pruning, especially for large trees, can be dangerous. If the job feels too big or hazardous, don’t take the risk. Turn to the experts at 10xtree for assistance, and we’ll ensure your trees and shrubs receive the care they deserve.
With the knowledge and techniques you’ve gained, you’ll soon be pruning like a pro, nurturing your trees and shrubs to flourish and thrive.
