Pruning 101

Pruning is a necessary part of maintaining healthy plants. It removes diseased, dead, or non-productive woody material, improves or maintains plant health, structures, or appearance, controls or redirects growth, reduces risk from storm damage, and enhances fruit production. It can be done on shrubs, trees, and even some houseplants. Many people are afraid of pruning because they fear that they will harm the plant or that they will be making bad cuts. However, there is no reason to be afraid of pruning; when it is done correctly, it will not only improve the health of the plant, but it can actually encourage its growth and longevity.

While most deciduous and evergreen plants do not require much pruning, there are times when corrective pruning is needed to remove damaged or diseased limbs. In addition, regular pruning can help to shape a tree or plant as well as keep it looking attractive by removing branches that are growing in the wrong direction or that are obstructing views or traffic areas.

Aside from these reasons, most gardeners and landscape professionals prune because they believe that it will help to keep the plants healthy and attractive. Properly done, pruning will also increase the yield of flowers or fruits.

Pruning can be done any time of the year, although it is most often done in winter, when the weather is milder and it is easier to see where to make the cuts. There are several benefits to pruning a plant in the winter, such as reducing the risk of disease or insect infestation, allowing for better airflow through the crown, and preparing nursery specimens for transplanting.

Before making any cut, it is important to first observe the plant and decide what the desired result of the pruning should be. This will give the gardener or landscape professional a sense of confidence when making the cuts because they know why they are doing so. It is also a good idea to have the proper tools before starting to prune. These include a sharp, clean pair of shears and a handsaw or loppers. It is a good idea to sterilize the equipment before and after each use by spraying it down with rubbing alcohol or bleach.

Once the goals for a pruning job are determined and a few basic principles understood, most people will find that pruning is not as difficult as they might think. In fact, the most difficult part of pruning is getting people to understand that it is not simply a matter of cutting; it is a process that involves observation and planning. In the end, understanding the objectives of pruning will save time and money in the long run by preventing unnecessary or incorrect cuts and thereby prolonging the life of a plant.

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