Prune to improve plant health
Take out dead or dying branches that have been damaged by severe insect infestations, disease, animals, storms or any other adverse Pruning shrubs and trees mechanical damage.
- Take out branches that are rubbing together.
- Remove branch stubs
Avoid topping trees. Large branches can lead to several health problems. It can also cause damage to the plant’s natural form and encourages suckering.
Prune plants to keep them in their intended uses.
- To encourage fruit and flower development.
- To maintain a dense hedge.
- To encourage or maintain a particular plant form or garden form.
- Prune to improve the appearance of your plants
A plant’s utility depends on its appearance in the environment. The best form for most landscapes is the natural one.
If they are being trained or restricted, avoid shearing shrubs to create tight shapes. It’s difficult to tell if plants have been properly pruned.
Pruning:
- Controls the size and shape of plants.
- Maintain shrubby evergreens densely arranged and well-proportioned.
- Unwanted branches, waterpouts, suckers, and other fruiting structures that are not in keeping with plant appearance should be removed.
Protect people and property with pruning
- Remove dead branches.
- Have hazardous trees taken down.
- Prune any weak or narrow-angled tree branches that are too high or low to support homes, sidewalks, or parking lots.
- Remove branches that block street lights, traffic signals or overhead wires.
- Do not attempt to trim near utility and electrical wires. It is best to contact the utility companies or city maintenance personnel.
- Prune any branches that block sight at intersections.
- Prune shrubs and tree branches that block your entryway to your home for security reasons.
Make sure you have the right tools to Pruning shrubs and trees
Pruning is easier when you have the right tools. The best tools will perform better if they are well-maintained. While there are many tools that can be used to prune, the following should suffice for most applications.
- A pair of pruning shears are a must-have tool. They can be used to make cuts up to 3/4 inch in diameter.
- Lopping shears look similar to pruning shears but have longer handles that provide more leverage to cut branches upto 1 1/2 inches wide.
- Hedge shears can only be used to prune hedges. They are best suited for cutting small, succulent stems.
- Hand saws are essential for cutting branches larger than 1 inch. There are many types of handsaws. Tri-cut and razor tooth pruning saws can cut through larger branches up to 4 inches in diameter.
- Pole saws have a long handle that allows for greater reach, but it can be difficult to make clean cuts.
- For larger branches, small chainsaws can be used. Safety clothing must be worn by operators when operating chainsaws. Chain saws should not be used to reach higher than your shoulders or when you’re on a ladder.