Pruning your trees has amazing benefits, one of which is that it aids in promoting growth to your trees and shrubs. Not sure how to prune your plants? Below we give our number 1 thing to remember to make pruning a success!
Promoting Growth
By pruning your plants in late winter/early spring, or alternatively just after they bloom, you are able to promote growth in your plants. Depending on how much you prune back, will depend on the overall outcome that you are trying to achieve. By pruning your plants right back you will be creating vigorous new growth, however, just cutting back ⅓ of the tree will allow for slower growth.
Pruning for beginners
Pruning is not just a matter of snipping off twigs and dead leaves, but really getting stuck in and having a good look at your plant. The most important thing to remember is that when you cut back a stem, always cut back to a bud (part of the plant that may develop into a flower, leaf or shoot). If you were to cut in the middle of two buds it is just going to die back. By cutting close above the bud you promote new growth.
Once you have pruned your shrub, make sure to top up the soil with good compost to sustain and nourish regrowth to your soil.
Read more on this interesting subject in Part 2 of Pruning has benefits with Stanler Farms.
Why Pruning is Important
Pruning is a vital practice for the health and wellbeing of your plants, regardless of whether you are tending to shrubs, trees, or flowering perennials. Firstly, it encourages healthy growth by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which, if left unchecked, can invite pests or further disease. By eliminating these problem areas, you ensure your plant has the energy to focus on healthy development.
Additionally, strategic pruning helps to shape the plant, improving its structure and overall appearance. This is particularly beneficial for fruit trees, where careful pruning can increase fruit quality and yield. However, over-pruning or incorrectly timed pruning can weaken plants, so always proceed with care and knowledge to maintain balance and vitality in your garden.
When to Prune
Knowing the right time to prune your plants is crucial for their health and productivity. For most plants, the best time to prune is during their dormant season, typically late winter or early spring. Pruning at this stage allows for faster recovery and reduces the risk of disease transmission, as the plant is not actively growing. However, timing can vary depending on the species. For example, spring-flowering plants should be pruned immediately after they bloom to avoid cutting off next season’s flower buds.
Conversely, summer-flowering shrubs and trees generally benefit from pruning in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth. Always research the specific needs of the plants in your garden and avoid pruning during extreme weather conditions, as this may stress the plant further. Proper timing ensures both beauty and health for your plants throughout the growing season.
Tips for Effective Pruning
Effective pruning requires both technique and care to ensure the well-being of your plants. Begin by using clean, sharp tools to make cuts, as blunt tools can tear and damage branches, leaving them vulnerable to pests and diseases. Always remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood first to prevent the spread of pathogens. When cutting branches, aim to make clean cuts at a slight angle just above a healthy bud or branch junction to promote proper healing.
Avoid over-pruning, as removing too much foliage can weaken the plant, reducing its ability to photosynthesize and thrive. For larger branches, use the three-cut method to prevent bark tearing, making a small undercut first, followed by a top cut further along, and finally removing the stub. Remember to step back frequently during the process to assess your work and ensure the plant maintains a balanced and natural shape.
