Proper pruning of your trees and shrubs isn't necessarily complicated, but it often strikes fear into the hearts of many first time owners of a new landscape. Here are a few "rules of thumb" to help you during your learning curve associated with a new landscape.
- Try limiting pruning the first year or two. This keeps the maximum amount of foliage on the plant, producing the maximum amount of nutrients as the shrub works to adapt to its new home.
- Spring blooming plants are best prunes immediately after they flower. This spring pruning will not only remove and spent blossoms but it will also keep your shrub in shape for the summer ahead. Remember that spring blooming plants set their blower buds in later summer or fall. Pruning too late in the year will actually remove the flower buds for the following spring. Examples of spring bloomers are forsythia, lilac, rose tree of China, bridal wreath, and mockorange.
- Summer blooming plants are best pruned when the plant is dormant. This includes late fall and early spring. Examples of summer bloomers would be potentilla, spirea, and Annabelle hydrangea. Remember that summer blooming plants set their buds in the early spring. Pruning once the growth has started each spring will remove the flower buds for the summer ahead.
- Trees that bleed readily in the spring and best pruned during the summer. This allows abundant time for pruning wounds to heal. Examples of trees susceptible to bleeding are maple, birch, and elm.
- Finally, put away your pruning tools for the months of September and October. The result of pruning is often new growth. New growth at this time of year can be damaged by the onset of cold weather. Why tempt fate?
Hopefully these general rules will make your more comfortable with the process of pruning your landscape plants. Look for future articles providing specific information on how to revitalize your existing plantings through pruning.
