Pruning 101

Pruning is the removal of plant parts to correct flaws or improve health and aesthetics. Trees, shrubs and hedges can be pruned for safety reasons (such as preventing branches from hanging over roofs or stretching into power lines) as well as to create a desired shape. Pruning can also help prevent disease and insect infestation by removing plant parts that harbor insects and pathogens.

In addition to improving aesthetics, pruning can increase plant vigor and encourage more blooms/fruit. By understanding your goals, you can prune plants with confidence and ensure that the pruning is done at the appropriate time and in the proper manner.

Proper pruning can save you a lot of time, money and headaches in the long run. It can help you avoid expensive and unsightly repair work, extend the life of your landscape plants, and prevent costly damage to property or injury to people.

Plants grow out of control for a variety of reasons. They may be growing too close to a structure, blocking views, or obstructing pathways or sidewalks. Keeping up with regular pruning can prevent these problems before they arise, extending the life of your plants and keeping your property safe.

Many woody plants bleed profusely when cut, making them more susceptible to disease. Pruning at the right time can eliminate this problem by allowing the plant to compartmentalize the wound. It is best to prune as soon as you notice an overgrown or leggy plant. This will allow the plant to re-grow with a more compact and well-branched form, which promotes good air circulation and light penetration.

Dead or dying plant parts can be removed to prevent insect and rodent damage as well as to reduce the risk of falling branches in a storm. It is especially important to remove dead or diseased plant material before it falls and infects others. Branches that are growing into or touching other branches can chafe and weaken them, making them more likely to break off in a storm. Pruning can also prevent limbs from crossing or rubbing, which can lead to structural failure.

Many flowering plants, such as roses, clematis and hydrangeas, require a certain amount of pruning to stimulate the formation of new buds for the next season. This is best accomplished by pruning just after they finish blooming. Late pruning can sacrifice flower production the following year. Pruning can also be used to train a young plant for a specific purpose, such as becoming a topiary or espaliers. There are several different ways to do this, and it is usually done at a young stage in the plant’s life, while it is still soft and flexible. This will help guide the plant’s growth pattern and provide a more structured, attractive form as it matures.

from Sunshine Coast Tree Lopping Caloundra https://ift.tt/yQx7qDV