Five Tips That Will Have You Pruning Like a Pro This Season!
What is pruning? Let's start with the actual pruning definition. Pruning is the process of trimming trees, shrubs, or bushes by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems. This is done to both control and increase the fullness or growth of the plant.
"Trimming" is another term commonly used when referencing pruning. Trimming trees and trimming bushes. No matter what you may prefer to call it, this service is essential to ensure the overall health of your trees and shrubs, as well as maintain the aesthetic of your landscape.
1. Prune At The Correct Time
Knowing when to trim bushes is important because the timing of a prune can either encourage or inhibit the growth of the tree or shrub. Ornamental trees and shrubs that bloom during the summer are usually pruned during winter and early spring. Crepe Myrtle trees are typically pruned in mid to late February when the threat of frost is low. Azaleas, however, should not be pruned until after they have bloomed in the spring, as it can inhibit blossoms from sprouting.
2. Use The Right Technique
There are a few different techniques when it comes to pruning a tree or shrub. Some blooming varieties can be managed by “pinching“. This technique refers to removing terminal buds with your thumb and forefinger, by pinching them. Other methods should be considered based on the plant variety and its need. Heading is a more extreme type of cut that is usually only necessary when trying to repair or rejuvenate a plant and should not be employed on a regular maintenance basis. “Crepe Murder” is the slang term for when crepe myrtle trees have been headed. Shearing is a common practice in residential landscaping and is performed to shape shrubs to have a particular look and feel. Thinning is another more severe pruning method that cuts a plant back to the shoot. This is commonly done in residential landscaping for ornamental trees and shrubs that have become overgrown. We often refer to it as rejuvenation pruning.
3. Don't Over Prune Your Plants
Do not prune more than 25% of the plant at one time. Over-pruning can actually harm your plant by causing stress damage. During the hotter summer months, we recommend not to prune more than 10-15% of the total plant.
4. Remove Dead Or Diseased Stems
If you see stems that are dead or diseased on your tree or shrub, it is best to remove them. Removing these stems can help prevent disease from spreading and offers the plant more energy to sprout new growth.
5. Call Edison Landscaping
Our Edison Pros are trained in correct pruning techniques. Give us a call or text us today for a free quote!
