Essential Pruning Guidelines for Healthy Local Gardens

Pruning is crucial for the health and appearance of garden plants like woody perennials, ornamental shrubs, and trees. It shapes plants and promotes their health by letting light and air reach their interiors. Pruning can be complicated, but there are key points to remember.

First, prune dead or diseased branches on trees or shrubs anytime. These branches are not only unsightly but also dangerous. Immediate pruning stops the plant from wasting energy on a diseased part and prevents disease spread.

Second, the timing of pruning live branches is important. Some plants bloom on old growth, some on new, and wrong pruning can reduce blooming. Generally, prune early spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom, and late-flowering ones late next winter. The best pruning month varies by species, so research your plant before pruning. For shrubs grown for ornamental foliage, prune late winter or early spring before growth.

Third, use the right pruning tools. Hand pruners, especially bypass shears, are good for most pruning tasks. Use lopping shears for thick branches, and a pruning saw for branches thicker than about 2 inches. Clean your tools with a 70% alcohol solution before use to prevent bacteria and disease from infecting your plant.

Lastly, choosing the right branches to prune requires practice. Prune young trees and shrubs for a shape that strengthens the plant, allows good airflow, and doesn't make the plant look pruned. Remove suckers growing from the base, branches growing back towards the trunk, and vertical branches. Prune a stem or branch near its collar, where it attaches to the trunk or a larger branch. For heavy branches, make your first cut about 6 inches from the trunk to prevent peeling when it falls.

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