Pruning%20Ornamental%20Trees%20and%20Shrubs

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Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

• George Driever
• Area IPM Specialist

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Reasons to prune

• Improve and maintain plant health
• Improve flowering and fruiting
• Remove dead, diseased, broken wood
• Remove crossing and rubbing branches
• Control natural shape and size

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Reasons to prune

• Safety
• Visibility
• Provide for sun and air circulation
• Restore balance and symmetry
• Rejuvenate deciduous shrubs

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Determining Whether to Save a Storm Damaged Tree

• Is the tree damaged greater than 50?
• Is the central leader broken?
• Does the tree have an intrinsic value?
• Is the tree young or old?
• What is the health of the tree?

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Ice Damage
Pecan Orchard Winter 2000
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50 to 70 of limbs destroyed
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The Right Tree for the Right Place

• Before planting, visualize the mature tree.
• Avoid planting large trees under power lines.
• Dont block the south side of the house with
  evergreens. Plant on north side as a wind break.
• When planting by the house, choose trees that are
  slow growing.

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Tree Planting Choices

• Avoid planting brittle species such as elms,
  willows, box elder, poplars or silver maple where
  breakage can endanger life or property.
• Fast growing trees such as Bradford pears or
  maples will break limbs in high winds or ice
  storms.

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When to Call an Arborist

• You are not sure if the tree is worth saving.
  Tree damage is severe.
• The branches are too high to reach.
• The branches are very large.
• Large branches are hanging.
• Broken branches near power lines.
• A chain saw is required.

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Finding a Good Arborist

• They dont just show up at your house.
• You have to make an appointment.
• You may have to wait a few days.
• They may cost a little more.
• They are bonded in case of accidents.
• They are recommended by professional
  organizations.

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When to Prune

• Depends on the plant species
• Results in the least damage to plant
• Typically late winter to early spring
• Immediately after storm damage to reduce further
  damage

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When not to Prune

• Immediately after new growth begins
• Prior to spring blooming shrubs/trees
• Late in summer
• After removing debris from storm damage

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How much to prune

• Never prune more than 1/3 of branches in a given
  year.
• If pruning after storm damage, remove only
  branches that are dangerous or severely damaged.
• If storm damage is very severe, consider removing
  tree.
• Never dehorn or top a tree.

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Pruning DOs and DONTs

• DO plan every cut
• Do prune to an outwardly facing bud
• DO stand back and look
• DONT give haircuts
• DONT leave stubs
• DONT use dull equipment
• DONT prune everything into one shape

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Pruning Tools
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Where to make pruning cuts

• On storm damaged trees, do not leave stubs. Prune
  laterals back to the main branch.
• Never cut off the branch collar. The cut should
  be just outside the raised area.
• On large branches use the 3-cut system

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Removing Large Branches
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Pruning Fruit Trees
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Central Leader
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Open Center
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Pruning a shrub
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Rejuvenating a large bush1st Year Pruning Cuts
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2nd Year Pruning Cuts
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Third year shrub thinning
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