Are you tired of the old landscape of your garden? Do you want to make your garden beautiful and at the same time healthy? If yes, then don’t forget to give a try to the art of creative pruning. Pruning is considered the chief factor to maintain a beautiful and healthy garden.
It is a fact that there is a physical demand for pruning plants. However, it is a kind of mental preparation and planning which will aid in achieving the skill of pruning. So, keep reading to plan and prepare for the maintenance of your plants to long-last their beauty for more upcoming years.
Table of contents
What is the pruning process?
Pruning can be described as the removal of selective parts of plants such as roots, buds, branches, leaves, etc. Generally, it comprises the removal of plant parts that are living, dead, or dying. With pruning, you can improve the flowering ability and plant structure present in your garden. Also, you can expect growth from the buds or bulbs.
Pruning is a kind of art that comes with a range of sophistication levels. It is an easy task to learn about the basic pruning techniques. However, there are more complicated techniques that require training and a vast amount of experience. A range of factors matters while practicing proper pruning, such as plant type and its health.
Benefits of pruning
1) More sunlight
While pruning trees, the plants which are present beneath and surrounding will receive sunlight. There is a need for proper sunshine for the grass to develop, but sometimes the full shade situation is unsuitable. So, cut off the unneeded branches and let them thrive their branches.
2) Quality food produced
Purning is the only way with which you can produce high-quality and reliable fruit. You can stimulate the fruit-bearing tree by pruning, and as a result, it will produce fruits yearly consistently. With thicker branches and shorter trees, you can efficiently harvest the fruits.
3) Property protection
If you prune regularly, then there are fewer chances that bad weather will break branches and harm your building. Even your family will also remain safe from branches falling all over play areas, driveways, and sidewalks. Also, pruning will limit the habitat for pests, vermin, and snakes.
4) Plants maintenance
A healthier blossom and fruit growth can be expected with regular trimming. Pruning can keep evergreens proportional and dense, which will boost the hedged quality. By regulating plant shape and size you can promote the aesthetic and intended layout of your property.
When to prune?
There is no perfect time for prune because it is up to the plant type, the severity of pruning required, and the outcome. At any time of the year, you can try pruning to remove any kind of diseased, dead, or damaged parts.
1) February-April
Summer flowering shrubs are needed to be pruned before bud-breaking starts. It comprises roses, butterfly bushes, some hydrangea, privet, and many more.
2) May-June
Prune spring flowering shrubs just after the flowering. It comprises rhododendron, azalea, lilac, Pieris, and forsythia. Also, there are flowering cherry trees, dogwoods, some hydrangea, and plum trees.
3) June-July
When full growth is reached by new shoots and turns woody, then it’s time to prune. It is a most suitable time for thinning most of the deciduous trees like maples, honey locusts, willows, linden, spruces, and many more. Prune hedges only if they are required to maintain and retain their clean lines.
4) August-December
There is no need to prune heavily at this time. The reason is that there will be new growth stimulation which might fail to get mature in enough time. Thus, they will be prone to frost damage in winter. So, it is better to limit your pruning at this time of year.
Types of equipment for pruning
For pruning the plants, there are a few things that are required to give them the right shape. Have a look at the below-mentioned equipment, which can be used in your garden to prune.
1) Hand saw
If you have big trees present in your garden, then the best piece of equipment you can choose is a hand saw. It is strong enough to cut down the branches around 1 inch in diameter.
2) Pruning shears
A decent set of pruning shears can be considered a crucial piece of equipment. Pruning shears can easily make cuts of around 3-4 inches.
3) Chainsaw
Chainsaws are strong enough to cut down any kind of tree. So, it is better if you use protective gear while using a chainsaw.
4) Lopping shears
When you look at pruning shears and lopping shears, then you might find similarities among them. However, lopping shears can easily make cuts of around 11-12 inches.
5) Pole saw
Pole saw comes with an extended reach. But before making clean cuts you’ll require a lot of practice to use this equipment.
How to prune your plants?
1) Inspect your plants
Take a look at your plants to see where they are required to prune, but it is preferred to do it in early spring or winter. Just prune branches that are longer than two feet.
2) Look for branches to keep or remove
It is based on the shape of the plant, and which branches are required to be removed or kept. It is better to tie a string piece on the branch as with this it would be easier to identify the same branch.
3) Time to remove unwanted stuff
Use a handsaw or loppers to remove any kind of dead or sick branch. Even you can remove extra branches that are taking away the energy from fruit-bearing. If you spot any growing downward branch, then it is dead, and all you need to remove it.
4) Make cuts
Use loppers to make heading cuts on the surroundings to shape it. You can expect more lateral branches whenever you cut.
Conclusion
Now, you’re all set to ace the art of pruning trees into fancy shapes. Using proper pruning techniques in your garden can make your plants thrive and remain healthy. It should be considered a must for every garden out there. Thus, try this art but with care by following the above-mentioned information.
