Pruning is the removal or reduction of problematic branches, limbs and stems from trees and shrubs. Pruning removes dead or diseased branches, and eliminates branches that chafe and could create an access point for insects and disease. Trees and shrubs also benefit from pruning because it helps manage their growth and structure, and encourages the development of new growth, keeping trees and shrubs healthy, strong and
more disease resistant.
Here are some basic pruning techniques and what they are used for:
Crown Thinning: Removing smaller, weaker limbs from the canopy to allow more light to reach through to the center branches and to improve air circulation reducing weight and strengthening the trees overall stability.
Dead Pruning: Eliminating dead, dying or diseased branches.
Reduction: Cutting back to lateral growth to control tree size. Removing small branches that are attached to the larger, heavier branches so that your trees don’t become too top-heavy.
Elevating: Cutting back low lying branches, needed for clearance or aesthetic purposes.
Pollarding: Removing most of the branches (done only when a tree is dormant, usually in the winter or very early spring) so that all that remains are the secondary branches and the main trunk or stem, to produce dense new growth. Less is definitely more when it comes to pruning. Excess pruning can shorten a tree’s life, affect its natural growth and can cause trauma that will not heal properly. As a general rule, it’s usually best to cut no more than 25% of the foliage.
Timing is extremely important when pruning. The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The least desirable time to prune is immediately after new growth develops in the spring.
It’s also advisable to limit the amount of pruning done in late summer, as new growth may be encouraged on some plants. This growth may not have sufficient time to solidify or become hardy before cold weather arrives, resulting in cold damage or winter kill.
It’s important not to cover pruning cuts with tree paint, which so many homeowners do. Research shows that sealing cuts or wounds on trees doesn’t speed their healing at all, and can actually promote decay and slow down the healing process. It’s best to simply let the cuts seal on their own.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t take the time to research how to properly take care of pruning until it’s too late. Hopefully this article helps you have a better idea of how and when to prune, for the life of your trees and garden. If you still feel uncertain or uneasy about pruning your own trees and shrubs, contact a tree expert who can help with whatever you need.
