| According to the dictionary pruning is:prune 2 (pr | | | | - influence the growth and health of a plant, |
| n)v. pruned, pruning, prunesv.tr. | | | | damage its beauty or even shortening its life. |
| 1. To cut off or remove dead or living parts or | | | | There shouldn't be any problems when you need |
| branches of (a plant, for example) to improve | | | | to remove dead branches, crowded limbs, |
| shape or growth. | | | | diseased or insect-infested wood. |
| 2. To remove or cut out as superfluous. | | | | Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to |
| 3. To reduce: prune a budget.v.intr. | | | | develop a strong structure and to enhance the |
| To remove what is superfluous or undesirable. | | | | natural form of plants. However special attention |
| As such we can say that pruning is the way we | | | | should be paid to the plant's natural form in order |
| make our plants look better and healthier. By | | | | not to force it to grow in an unnatural form and |
| pruning your plants will be healthier, stronger, | | | | damage its production of flowers and fruits. |
| safer and more attractive. | | | | Reasons for pruning: |
| Now that Spring is on its way it's time for nature | | | | Maintain plant health |
| to come back alive. Some say that the best time | | | | Encourage development and stimulate growth |
| to start pruning your trees is in April. Trees and | | | | Shaping and improving plant appearance |
| shrubs need their annual pruning as it helps them | | | | Removal of dead branches or hazardous |
| stay healthy and in good shape. | | | | trees |
| Of course not every tree and shrub should be | | | | Pruning cuts should be made just outside the |
| pruned at the same time, as each type has its | | | | branch collar at a node. The cuts should be made |
| own proper pruning time. Pruning at the wrong | | | | so that only branch tissue is removed and stem |
| time of year may result in less flowers and/or | | | | tissue is not damaged. The quality of pruning cuts |
| fruits; it may even shorten the life of your plant. | | | | can be evaluated by examining pruning wounds |
| When to prune? Hardwood trees and conifers are | | | | after one growing season. |
| best pruned in late fall, but the flowering plants | | | | If you are afraid to cut too much or cut to deep, |
| should be pruned in spring. | | | | attend a pruning workshop and you'll see that |
| PS: Anytime you see your garden overgrown by | | | | they will bring out the artist in you in no time. If |
| trees, bushes or shrubs it's time for some pruning | | | | you still think it's just too much for you, turn to |
| - removal of dead branches can be done anytime. | | | | your local landscaping services and they will do the |
| Don't forget your trusty tools and start bringing | | | | job for you. |
| the artist out of you: hand shears, loppers, pruning | | | | Avoid pruning plants, especially trees that are |
| shears and puncture-proof gloves. | | | | touching or near utility lines, you should instead |
| Pruning should be only performed when | | | | consult the local utility company or hire |
| necessary, otherwise great damage can be done | | | | professional services. |