Techniques of Pruning Unit 33

Objectives To select proper pruning techniques for specific plants and demonstrate their use in the landscape List 5 reasons for pruning Describe 4 types of pruning Demonstrate pruning a stem at the proper angle Explain how the correct time to prune is determined

Why are Plants Pruned To remove dead, diseased, insect-infested, or broken branches Keeps the plant healthy To change the size or proportion of the plant To keep them from becoming overgrown Also helps to consider the mature height and growth rate before placing the plant To develop a special form or shape Topiary – practice used in formal gardens – plant material is trimmed into shapes (Edward Scissorhands) Palier – method of training plant materials to grow flat against a trellis or wall

To remove wilted or dead flowers and seed pods To rejuvenate a declining shrub After pruning a plant usually produces better quality flowers and develops a better form

Equipment for Pruning Tools must be kept clean and sharp to give a good clean cut Lab Exercise 7-15; 7-16

Types of Pruning Thinning – removing certain branches from a plant to open up the plant Allows more light to reach the inner branches Heading back – removal of the end section of the plant branches at the same height Causes new shoots to develop to make the plant thicker Renewal Pruning – old branches that are large and unproductive are removed Results in development of new branches and better flowering Root Pruning – involves cutting off all the lateral roots of the plant in a circle around the stem Root prune 1 season prior to transplanting

How and When to Prune Cut the plant stem at a 90 degree angle When to prune depends on when the plant flowers or bears fruit Flowers in spring = summer pruning Shrubs pruned after they flower Flower in summer or fall = pruned before growth begins in the spring

Objectives To select proper pruning techniques for specific plants and demonstrate their use in the landscape List 5 reasons for pruning Describe 4 types of pruning Demonstrate pruning a stem at the proper angle Explain how the correct time to prune is determined