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Tree & Bush Pruning

Flower & Garden Bulletin #45

It is essential if you are to garden that you know the why, when, and how of pruning.

Let's start with the "why."

Prune to encourage new growth, to shape and make your plants and shrubs more pleasing to look at, to remove dead and diseased parts, to encourage growth in a particular direction, to encourage quality flower production, to cut back to a more manageable size, and last but not least, prune top growth when transplanting to obtain more of a balance between what's above ground and the root system.

The need to prune before transplanting is a concept
that deserves a bit more explanation.

When we dig up a shrub or plant, generally we will not be able to get all of the roots. And there is a definite correlation between top growth and root growth.

When the amount and size of the roots are reduced for whatever reason, we must compensate by cutting back some of the above ground growth to balance above and below out, and to help the plant get over the shock of being injured. This gives the plant or shrub a better chance of surviving.

"When" to prune depends on what you are pruning
and when it blooms.

If your plant or shrub flowers on the current year's growth, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. Prune things that bloom on one year old growth just as soon as they finish blooming. If you prune too soon or wait too long, you may cut off future flowers.

Now the "how."

Cut back dead or diseased branches into healthy growth or cut completely out if necessary. If there is disease, sterilize your pruning shears with a 10% bleach/90% water solution after every cut to avoid spreading disease.

General pruning is done with respect to the location of buds on the branches. In the spring when you look at your deciduous plants or shrubs, you will notice swollen nodules on them. They are the buds from which new branches and leaves will grow. If you want to shape a branch to grow outward, find an outward facing bud close to the spot to where you want to cut back. Cut on a slant, or diagonally, 1/4 inch above the outward facing bud. The slant should point downward and toward the inside of the bush. That will encourage a branch to grow from the bud below, and it will grow outward.

On a different type of plant or bush, buds will be positioned opposite each other on the stem. Make a cut straight across, or horizontally, 1/4 inch above the buds. Both buds will grow in whichever directions they are facing.

Don't be afraid to prune. You will feel like you left only a skeleton at first, but soon new growth will flourish, and your plant will be healthier because of your efforts.

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