Chapter 33 Techniques of Pruning

Plants are pruned to: Remove dead, diseased, insect-infested, or broken branches Change the size or proportion of the plant. Develop a special form or shape. Remove wilted or dead flowers and seed pods Rejuvenate a declining plant

Equipment for Pruning: Pruning Saw Lopping Shears Hand Shears Hand Pruning Shears Pole Pruner Chainsaw Power Pole Pruner

Types of Pruning: Thinning Heading Back Renewal Pruning Root Pruning

How and When to Prune: Cutting at a proper angle – 90 degree angle When to prune – depends on when the plant flowers and bears fruit. Shrubs are pruned after they flower. Plants that flower in the summer or fall are usually pruned in the spring. Espalier Pruning – training a plant on a wall, fence or trellis. Topiary Artistry – the art of trimming and training plants into ornamental shapes

Plants with Special Pruning Needs: Nandina – Prune oldest canes to the ground Oleander – Prune the faded flower clusters Privet – Prune to control shape Rhododendron – Pinch flower truss after blooming, so plant will produce new growth faster Hemlock – Prune in early spring before new growth develops Spruce – Prune to ½ of the new growth candles in August to result in a fuller tree. Fir – Prune the new growth in august to ½ the length of the candle. Yew – Prune after the new growth has hardened in the spring.

Plants with Special Pruning Needs Conti: Andromeda – Prune to remove dead faded flower clusters in late spring. Aucuba – Pinching back results in a thicker plant with more shape. Arborvitae – Prune before new growth starts in the spring Pine – Prune about ½ of each candle in June. Azalea – Prune after flowering to promote the production of new growth. Boxwood – Pruning boxwood is important to keep the plant compact and full. Holly – Prune various types of holly in December so that the branches can be used for holiday decorating. Mountain Laurel – Prune to encourage growth of new shoots.

The End!