Pruning is an important part of landscaping. It helps trees and shrubs thrive by improving airflow and getting rid of pests and dead or diseased sprigs that could damage healthy growth. At the same time, it helps them grow better and can ensure they keep the shape you want. It makes them produce flowers, fruits, and leaves more effectively as well.
Having said that, pruning your trees properly is essential. Otherwise, you could do more harm than good. Having a professional do the job is recommended. If you prefer the do-it-yourself approach, though, be sure to keep the following pruning dos and don’ts in mind.
Proper Pruning Procedures
First of all, it’s important to prune your trees at the right times. That’s not exactly the same for all types of trees and shrubs. As a general rule, though, it’s best to prune during their dormant seasons, or when they shed their leaves and stop growing for a while. For many trees, that’s during the fall and winter. Pruning at the right times will place less stress on your trees and ensure they get off to a healthy start when they start growing again.
Removing dead, broken, and diseased branches is also crucial. That’ll keep pathogens and damage from spreading. You’ll also need to thin out areas that seem overcrowded. Doing so will improve airflow and ensure the healthy portions of your trees get the water and nutrients they need to grow. Even though cutting away damage and thinning out branches may seem to detract from a tree’s appearance at first, they’ll improve the way it looks and grows in the long run.
While you’re carrying out the pruning process, be sure to use clean, sharp tools. They’ll make cleaner cuts, which minimizes damage and helps your trees to heal faster. It could prevent the spread of diseases too.
What to Avoid When Pruning
Now, take a look at some of the mistakes you should avoid when pruning. For one, don’t use dull tools. Pruning naturally causes a small amount of damage to trees, but dull tools can cause even more harm than normal. Your trees will have more trouble recovering from it. Don’t leave nubs, either. When you clip off a portion of growth, be sure to cut it flush with the branch or trunk.
Avoid cutting away too much all at once. The more you cut, the more the tree will struggle to recuperate. That could hamper its growth instead of fostering it. Never prune during the hotter or colder times of the year, either. It’s best to prune when temperatures are moderate because doing so in extreme temperatures will stress your trees and slow down the healing process.
Additionally, never prune flowering trees or shrubs immediately after they bloom. That could make them bloom less next season. Wait until their blooming stage is over to prune. That’ll ensure they bloom even more fully moving forward.
Keeping Your Trees in Top-Notch Condition
Trees will inevitably grow, spread, and bloom on their own. They don’t necessarily need human intervention. Of course, those that are left to their own devices often suffer from damage, diseases, pests, overgrowth, and other problems. Pruning can help keep those issues at bay and ensure your trees thrive.
Pruning isn’t a haphazard process, though. Using the wrong techniques could actually damage your trees and keep them from growing the way they should. Keep the dos and don’ts mentioned here in mind when pruning your trees or turn to a professional for help. That’ll help keep your trees healthy and beautiful year after year.
