Pruning

Choose the right plant for the right spot and never prune again.

Think I'm kidding? Do your homework.

Choose the right plants and eliminate pruning.

Pruning

              Just the facts

--> Prune spring flowering shrubs after they finish flowering,
       usually early May. The new growth added after this spring
       pruning contains most of the flowers for next springs show.
       Prune enough off in May so the plant will only need light
       tipping as it grows back to the desired height during the
       summer. Next spring the plant will be covered in flowers.

--> Prune summer flowering shrubs in spring (March) before they
       leaf out. The new growth added after this pruning contains
       all the flowers for the summer displays.

-->  Poke holes into the tops of shrubs you prune or shear a lot.
       ( Manhattan Euonymus, Privot, Holly, Yew)
      Continuously pruning at the same height promotes a thick
      mass of new growth at the top of the plant. This thick
      area deters sunlight from reaching the interior, causing
      branches to die and the plant too become thin and unhealthy.

     This area is also cool and shady and becomes the perfect
       breeding gound for insects like scale and spider mites.
       Poking holes allows sunlight and rain inside, promotes
       healthy new interior growth and decreases the build up of
       insect populations.
      *** How to poke holes. Reach down into the interior of the plant
      from the top, about 1/3 to 1/2 way and cut branches back to
      another growing point. (where the branch meets another
      branch) Depending on size of plant, remove 3-4 clumps every
      year. Try to make one cut and remove a large clump or branch
      instead of 4 cuts of single branches.

--> Remove any dead in trees and shrubs to increase total curb
       appeal.

Now that you've decided on and installed your plants, this is how to professionally manage the differences in all of them.

Proper pruning will not only impact the natural look and health of each plant but guarantee the most beautiful flower or berry displays possible in return.

Don't be afraid to prune your shrubs. Follow my directions, get out and do it, you will be amazed at the difference.

Pruning Basics

Perfect Angle too sharp 2 far from bud 2 close to bud

Pruning Tools

When To Prune

Pruning Hedges

Rejuvenation Pruning

Should You Prune After Transplanting?

Renew older shrubs Burning Bush Euonymus

Prune in Winter-(Jan-Feb) Cold will not harm

Abelia

Barberry

Euonymus Burning Bush

Euonymus Manhattan

Privot

Redtwig Dogwoods

Spirea- Bumaldi, Little Princess summer flowering varieties

Taxus-Yew

Yellowtwig Dogwood


Prune in Spring after flowering, early May

Azalea

Cherry Laurel

Chinese Quince

Forsythia

Fothergilla

Itea

Lilac

Photinia

Spirea- Van Houtteii

Summer flowering, Evergreen, prune in (March)

Aucuba


Butterfly Bush

Chamaecyparis

Cotinus-Purple Smoke Bush

Crape Myrtle

Evergreen Hollies

Hydrangea-Pee Gee, Paniculatta

Inkberry Holly

Nandina

Shrub Roses


Prune after flowering in July-August

Hydrangea- Macrophylla

Hydrangea- Oak leaf

Trees- How to choose them, how to prune them

Choosing The Proper Tree From The Nursery

Training Young Trees

Sharp angle crotches like A above are weak closer to 90 degree is best

Pruning Trees

One Leader Three leaders

Influencing Flowering On Trees

Thinning The Canopy

Before thinning, 3 leaders Finished tree, one leader

Safety Pruning

Removing Large Branches