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Pruning, when done correctly, will help keep
your plants and shrubs beautiful. Incorrect
methods will leave your plants damaged and/or
deformed. The reasons for pruning will vary
depending on your wants and needs. Removing dead
or damaged parts of the tree is one reason for
pruning. Others would be to keep the size and
shape you prefer, and also to improve the
quality and quantity of flower blooms.
The first step to take when you begin pruning is
to remove the dead or broken limbs. You need to
cut these back to the point of growth or back to
a strong branch. Next you want to make some cuts
to shape the plant. Cut back branches to make or
maintain a desired shape, to fill in damaged
areas, or to keep your plants the to the size
that you prefer. When making your cuts, be sure
not to change the natural shape of the tree or
bush. You can also make cuts to eliminate weak
or narrow connections between branches. The last
thing you want to do is remove water sprouts
from the tree or bush.
Pruning can be done at anytime of the year,
although recommended times may vary depending
upon the plant type. The best time to prune
would be in the late winter or early spring
before new growth starts. The worst time to
prune would be after new growth begins. This may
cause significant dwarfing of the plant. You
should also keep in mind that damaged limbs
should be pruned as soon as possible.
When making your cuts be sure that they are
clean and smooth, don't leave stubs, and avoid
tearing the bark. The cuts that you make should
be slanted, which helps in the healing process.
When cutting large branches there are a few
things to keep in mind. First you want to make
an undercut 6 to 12 inches from the trunk 1/3 of
the way through the branch. Then 3 inches
further from the undercut make a cut on the top
until the branch falls. Finally cut the stem
back to the collar not the trunk.
Pruning equipment is an important part of
getting the job done right. You need to make
sure that all of the shears and clippers that
you will be using are kept sharp. They need to
be disinfected after pruning diseased plants.
This can be done using alcohol or bleach mixed
with water at a ratio of 1:9. Oil your equipment
regularly to avoid rusting. Make sure that you
are using the right piece of equipment for the
branches you want to cut. Hand pruning shears
are good for branches up to 1/2 inch. Lopping
shears can be used for branches up to 2 inches.
Anything larger should be cut using a tree saw. |
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