A guide to proper pruning of trees & shrubs.

When to Prune

It is important to remember that most plants can be pruned at any time of the year without harm. However, regular pruning should be carefully timed in order to maximize both the benefits for the plant and your enjoyment of it. For example, if you prune your lilac every year at the wrong time, you may never see it bloom. And aren't flowers the reason you planted it in the first place?

One general time to avoid pruning is in the late summer. It can stimulate succulent growth that is susceptible to freeze damage in the fall and early winter.

Try to follow these general rules

Trees and shrubs that flower before the end of June: Prune these plants immediately after flowering. If you prune these plants first thing in the spring, you will cut off all of the flower buds that developed during the previous season's growth. As mentioned before, if you do happen to prune these plants first thing in the spring, it will not be detrimental to the plant's survival, it will just mean that you will have lost one season's worth of flowering. (NOTE: If your plant has fruiting interest like hawthorn or viburnum, it is acceptable to wait until after the fruits have lost their appeal before pruning.)

Trees and shrubs that flower after the end of June: Prune these plants in winter or spring before new growth starts. These plants develop their flower buds on the current season's growth.

Coniferous (Needled) Evergreens: In spring, many coniferous evergreens will have branches that elongate noticably, called candles. If you wish to keep the plant compact, you may prune these candles back about halfway. However, most evergreens do not need regular pruning to keep their natural shape. WARNING: Needled evergreens will usually not develop new growth on old wood, so be careful not to prune back too far. Never cut beyond the living foliage portions of the branches, or you will end up with a bare spot!

Pruning Basics

Tools
The best tool to have in your pruning arsenal is the bypass pruner. For most pruning projects a homeowner may tackle, bypass pruners yield the best and easiest results. Try to avoid using hedge shears unless you wish to achieve a very formal look. Also, keep your pruners sharp & clean.

Wound Dressing or "Pruning Paint"

The age old practice of painting a pruning cut with special "tree paint" is not necessary, and may actually be harmful. According to recent research, using wound dressing may actually (1) harbor infectious organisms inside the wound and (2) slow the process of callusing, the tree or shrub's attempt at healing naturally. We DO NOT recommend these products.

Pruning Deciduous Trees & Shrubs

Make proper pruning cuts about 1/4" above a bud, don't just chop at random. Do not give plants a "haircut". Pay attention to the natural shape of the plant before you start hacking away. Cut the branches at different lengths, and remove twigs or branches selectively to thin the canopy and prevent overcrowding. Also remove some stems of shrubs at ground level. The length of new shoots should be reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 of their length in order to stimulate lateral (side) growth of the plant. Be sure to remove any unhealthy or dead branches. In the case of lilacs and rhododendrons, removing the spent flower heads may actually increase flowering the following year.

Pruning Evergreen Trees & Shrubs

Also use the thinning technique described above, but remember that old portions of the tree or shrub will not be able to regenerate new growth. Certain evergreens like yews may need to be pruned more than once a year in order to control late flushes of growth that are unsightly. Do not use shears on pine or other candling evergreens. This will damage the old needles, they will turn brown, and the whole plant will be unsightly.

Start pruning while plants are young to maintain the natural form and avoid the need for corrective pruning later. Time your pruning properly. Always remove any dead, diseased, rubbing, crossing, or infested branches first. NEVER top your trees. NEVER remove a central leader.

Use a professional for large trees or pruning projects.

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