Spotlight Area

"Pruning. One Step Back, Two Steps Forward"

Featured in the March/April 2003 Newsletter

Pruning is an important practice for keeping trees and shrubs in top condition. Pruning increases the overall quality and production of flowers and fruits. We need to remove dead wood and diseased areas of plants to maintain plants in good health. Pruning also shapes and controls the growth of plants.

When?

The key to proper pruning is timing and knowing the desired result.

Summer flowering trees and shrubs bloom on new growth. Prune in early spring to encourage new growth, which will then flower. Delayed pruning may result in reducing flower production.

Spring flowering shrubs, on the other hand, form flowers on the previous year¹s growth. Pruning should wait until after flowering. Growth after flowering will produce next year¹s bloom.

When shaping evergreens and shrubs, a general rule of thumb is if you want to encourage new growth, prune during spring or early fall. If you want to retard growth, prune during the summer.

How?

Always make cuts just above a growth point, such as a bud, stem or branch. Tree branches have a swollen area at their connection to the trunk. This area contains guard cells that allow the tree to seal and heal over. Always cut just outside the swollen area. Make cuts on large branches out away from the trunk to relieve the weight before making a clean final cut. Do not use pruning seal. The tree will heal faster naturally.

To create a dense shrub, clip terminal (end) buds to force side growth. This stimulates lateral buds to start growing. To grow a narrower upright plant, trim lateral buds to stimulate terminal growth. It¹s absolutely vital to use the correct tool, properly sharpened, to avoid damage to the plant. At Campbell¹s, we carry a wide variety of tools, including some for smaller hands and left-handed people. Our staff would be happy to point you to the right tool for your needs.