To prune or not to prune, is a question that many homeowners who have trees and shrubs in their yard may ask. A good question and a very important question, especially this time of year. If you are not sure, then you should ask a knowledgable person for advice. A lot of damage can be done by incorrect pruning. If you are not sure, do not take out the pruners!
Not every tree and shrub needs to be pruned every year. Pruning is done to keep plants strong and healthy, maintain an even appearance and produce higher yields of fruit and flowers. Branches are removed for a reason. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed as they are unhealthy for the tree/shrub. Branches that rub against each other or cross over over a branch or take away from the plants shape are removed.
Good air ventilation is an important factor in a tree/shrubs health. Removing some of the older branches from the centre of the tree will keep it open, allowing for good air flow. Some deciduous shrubs are pruned to promote new growth. Late bloomers such as potentillas and Spireas bloom better on new growth, so cutting them back promotes new young shoots which in turn means more flowers. Red twig dogwood can have one third of the older less coloured branches removed to promote new bright colourful branches.
Timing is important. A large number of deciduous trees and shrubs are pruned in early spring when you start to see early signs of growth. Not all deciduous trees and shrubs are pruned in early spring. Early flowering shrubs such as forsythia, purple leaf sand cherry, double flowering cherry and lilacs are pruned in late spring after they have finished flowering. These early bloomers set their flowers last summer and if they are pruned in early spring, you would be removing many of their flowers. Prune them right after they have flowered, and then let them grow and produce new flowers for next spring.
Birch, maple and walnut trees are pruned in the fall after the sap stops flowing. If they were to be pruned in the spring when the sap is flowing, they could potentially be killed. If you're not sure if the sap is flowing, cut a small twig off to check before going ahead.
After the tree/shrub has been pruned apply lime sulfur and dormant oil (following the manufacturers directions) to the tree to kill overwintering pests and fungus. This preventive measure can save many unwanted problems this summer on deciduous trees and shrubs.
This weekend Art Knapp Plantland (Kimball location only) will host its annual tree pruning clinics - today at 10 a.m and tomorrow at 1 p.m.
Cost is $ 10.00 which will be donated to Special Olympics in Prince George.
