PRUNING

What is pruning? Pruning is the removal of branches or parts of branches to improve the overall health, productivity and appearance of a tree. We prune different trees for different reasons. It is the end purpose that dictates the way a tree will be pruned. An ornamental tree in your front yard is pruned to give it the desired shape to enhance the landscape. A fruit tree in an orchard is pruned to maximize its productivity. The fruit tree you have in your yard may be serving two purposes, producing fruit, as well as being an integral part of your overall landscape. The right way to prune it is somewhere in between the ornamental and the orchard tree.

Space here is too limited to go into a detailed discussion of pruning techniques, rather I want to give you an overview of some of the important factors you should remember when pruning. To be a good pruner you need to understand a little bit about tree growth. A lot of research has been done on this subject over the last twenty years and many books are now available. A quick read would be very beneficial. Be sure that the material you choose has been published within the last 20 years to make sure it is up to date. You need to know what the parts of the tree are and how they interact with each other. This will help you make decisions on what to prune off the tree and where to make the cuts.

A basic understanding of how wounds to trees heal will be very beneficial. Having this knowledge will help you to make your pruning cuts properly. Books written by Dr. Alex Shigo are some of the best I have seen on the subject. They are available in many libraries and bookstores.

If the thought of all this reading is daunting, find a pruning course to attend. A good pruning course should cover these basic principles. Courses are run in many areas by garden clubs, through continuing education, at garden centers or botanic gardens. If a course is not available in your area, find a gardener whose yard you admire and ask their advice. I have always found gardeners very willing to share their knowledge.

The other method of learning is by simple observation. Look at trees that appear to be healthy and have a nice appearance and compare them to trees that appear to be struggling or look unsightly. It is usually obvious what the problems are.

Pruning is not a subject that should scare you. It does, however, require a little thought and knowledge before you start. One of the biggest mistakes I see new pruners make is to start cutting off branches without having looked at the whole tree and having an end in mind. If you have a tree that is very overgrown it may be necessary to take a few years to bring it back under control. Pruning too severely the first year may create an even bigger problem. Planning is required to get to the desired end point. Perhaps the first year all you will be able to do is thin out the canopy to allow more light; larger branches could be removed the following year. The rule of thumb is not to remove more than one third of the total canopy in any one season.

The best way to prevent the problems mentioned above is to start pruning when the tree is very young. A little pruning every year is preferable to a major pruning every few years. The simplest way to prune is to pinch off young sprouts that appear in an undesirable location. These sprouts can be pinched as soon as they appear during the summer.

Most pruning should be done during the dormant season. The time of year will vary in different locations across the country. It is best to check with someone in your area to determine the best time to prune in your locality. If you have done your homework and learned a bit about the tree growth you will understand why dormant pruning is preferable.

Don’t be intimidated by pruning - learn a little and take action. Be a friend to your tree!

Amanda Chedzoy

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