The term Pruning is the selective removal of branches, buds, leaves, flowers or roots. It may be done for a variety of reasons such as reducing or controlling growth, improving plant appearance, health and safety, or to enhance fruit production. Pruned plants are also easier to maintain and care for.
Many trees and shrubs require periodic pruning to keep them looking good and maintaining a healthy form. It is best to prune them in early spring before they begin their yearly growth spurt or late summer/early autumn when they are in dormancy. This will promote new growth, help to prevent disease and insect problems, and improve the overall look of the landscape or garden.
Most thinning cuts should be made while the tree or shrub is dormant. This will reduce bleeding from the wounds and allow for the most rapid healing. However, some woody plants bleed profusely from cuts and will heal more slowly. In this case, the pruning should be done while the plant is in active growth.
Pruning to control or direct growth is often called shaping. It is a common practice in the maintenance of shrubs, flowering and fruit trees, and vines. It is also used to shape hedges and provide structure to ornamental grasses and perennials.
Some species of plants bloom on old wood. For example, rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp), dogwoods(Cornus spp), lilacs (Syringa spp) and forsythia (Forsythia spp) all produce their flowers on stems that had grown the previous year. They should therefore be pruned right after they have finished blooming because, if not, you will be removing buds that would produce flowers the following spring.
Other plants, like clematis and hydrangeas, are particular about their pruning schedule. These plants are usually pruned to remove dead or dying branches and to encourage the development of a well-branched plant with a more compact form.
Removing diseased or rotten limbs, or ones that are a threat to people and property is one of the most important reasons for pruning. It can help prevent the spread of fungus and other plant diseases.
Many of us plant things in our landscape and gardens because we hoped they would produce flowers, produce fruit, give privacy, add color, create a focal point, etc. Through pruning we can guide the plants to do what we envisioned them to do. Steve offers this analogy: Think of your plants as your children, and pruning as guiding them through their formative years in the right direction to reach their full potential.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your yard and garden, the proper pruning can reduce the risk of damage caused by heavy snow or wind. It can also protect people and property from the encroachment of a large or overgrown tree or shrub into a home, driveway or road. It can also increase the quality and quantity of the fruits or flowers that are produced by a specific tree or plant. This is especially true for fruit trees.
source https://standfasttreeservices1.wordpress.com/2024/10/26/pruning-what-is-it/
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