Trees & Shrubs Pruning

Correct pruning is an essential maintenance for ornamental plants, trees and shrubs! Pruning is usually ignored for several years. Then some trees and mostly shrubs become overgrown and weak, in need of a drastic pruning to bring the plant back. Remember that poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree.  Always have a purpose in mind before picking up the pruning tools as each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree.

Trees may need pruning for various reasons:

• to remove diseased and damaged branches

• to thin the crown to permit new growth and better air circulation

• to reduce the height of a tree

• to remove obstructing lower branches

• to shape a tree for design purposes

• To prevent the plant from overgrowing

• To stimulate flowering and fruiting

Pruning Tools:

 One should use proper pruning tools! Keep them in good condition, clean and lubricated regularly to prevent rust. Following are some examples of common pruning tools:

In all cases, the key is to prune the unwanted branch while protecting the stem or trunk wood of the tree. Tree branches grow from stems at nodes and pruning always takes place on the branch side of a stem-branch node. Branches and stems are separated by a lip of tissue called a stem collar which grows out from the stem at the base of the branch. All pruning cuts should be made on the branch side of this stem collar. This protects the stem and the other branches that might be growing from it. It also allows the tree to heal more effectively after the prune.

Where Do I Cut?

As a rule, always cut back to a branch, that is pointed in the direction you want the tree to grow. This method encourages controlled, healthy new growth. If you’re unsure whether to remove a branch, don’t cut. You can always cut it later, but you can never put it back.

At the position where each branch originates from the trunk is a “collar” between the branch and the trunk. This branch collar contains vascular tissues from both the branch and the trunk. If you cut into the trunk tissue, you will interfere with the tree’s natural protective mechanisms, allowing the entry of disease and insect pests which damage the tree trunk. Make your pruning cut outside the collar on the branch side without leaving a stub.

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