Spring pruning – when should it be? –

Why does the first warm day bring homeowners with their pruning shears to cut here, cut there without much rhyme or reason?

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Pruning tips to remember

• Remember, spring blooming trees and shrubs should be left alone until they flower or you can cut off all the flower buds.
• Shrubs that flower in July or later can be pruned now (March). Unpleasant branches can be removed at any time.
• If the branch is over half an inch in diameter, it is better to use lopping shears or a saw rather than a good pair of pruning shears.

As a side note, there is also a “Best Time” to spray for bugs – more.

Basic cuts

Here are 4 different types of “cuts” that are used for different purposes. These techniques, which can be combined, can help you achieve the desired shape and health of your trees and shrubs.

Heading Cuts

• purpose: To remove the top of a branch, cut back to a specific bud.
• Method: Cut about one-quarter of an inch above the bud at a 45-degree angle.
• result: Stimulates buds below the cut to become new branches, which is beneficial for flowering shrubs and fruit trees as it can lead to more buds, flowers and fruit.
• Consideration: Avoid head cuts if the goal is to open up the plant, as these can increase density.

Thinning Cuts

• purpose: To remove entire branches within a tree or shrub, thinning the interior.
• Method: Cut just outside the enlarged collar at the base of the branch without leaving an edge or cutting into the collar.
• result: It directs energy up the main branch, promoting stronger growth and opening the plant to more light and air.
• Consideration: Thinner cuts can cause a tree or shrub to grow taller or wider than desired if lead branches are left intact.

Re-learning Cuts

• purpose: To remove part of the branch electrode above the side, making the side a new electrode.
• Method: Cut no more than one-quarter of an inch above where the main branch meets the lateral at an angle between the straight and the slope of the lateral.
• result: It reduces the height and width of trees and shrubs, and slows down their growth.
• Consideration: The lateral must be at least one-third the diameter of the main branch to support its new role.

Jump Cuts

• purpose: To reduce the weight of the branch before the final cut to prevent tearing.
• Method: Three-part cut – an initial cut one-third to one-half of the way through the branch, a top cut one-half to one inch farther, followed by a final cut just outside the collar of the branch.
• result: Safely removes heavy branches without damaging the plant.

Spring pruning is key

Spring pruning is a key task in the garden that ensures the health and beauty of your plants. The time and method of pruning depends on the type of plant you are dealing with.