Techniques of Pruning

1
Techniques of Pruning

• Unit 33

2
Objectives

• To select proper pruning techniques for specific
  plants and demonstrate their use in the landscape
• List 5 reasons for pruning
• Describe 4 types of pruning
• Demonstrate pruning a stem at the proper angle
• Explain how the correct time to prune is
  determined

3
Why are Plants Pruned

• To remove dead, diseased, insect-infested, or
  broken branches
• Keeps the plant healthy
• To change the size or proportion of the plant
• To keep them from becoming overgrown
• Also helps to consider the mature height and
  growth rate before placing the plant
• To develop a special form or shape
• Topiary practice used in formal gardens plant
  material is trimmed into shapes (Edward
  Scissorhands)
• Palier method of training plant materials to
  grow flat against a trellis or wall

4

• To remove wilted or dead flowers and seed pods
• To rejuvenate a declining shrub
• After pruning a plant usually produces better
  quality flowers and develops a better form

5
Equipment for Pruning

• Tools must be kept clean and sharp to give a good
  clean cut
• Lab Exercise 7-15 7-16

6
Types of Pruning

• Thinning removing certain branches from a plant
  to open up the plant
• Allows more light to reach the inner branches
• Heading back removal of the end section of the
  plant branches at the same height
• Causes new shoots to develop to make the plant
  thicker
• Renewal Pruning old branches that are large and
  unproductive are removed
• Results in development of new branches and better
  flowering
• Root Pruning involves cutting off all the
  lateral roots of the plant in a circle around the
  stem
• Root prune 1 season prior to transplanting

7
How and When to Prune

• Cut the plant stem at a 90 degree angle
• When to prune depends on when the plant flowers
  or bears fruit
• Flowers in spring summer pruning
• Shrubs pruned after they flower
• Flower in summer or fall pruned before growth
  begins in the spring

8
Objectives

• To select proper pruning techniques for specific
  plants and demonstrate their use in the landscape
• List 5 reasons for pruning
• Describe 4 types of pruning
• Demonstrate pruning a stem at the proper angle
• Explain how the correct time to prune is
  determined