Gardening

Green with Envy

Marilyn Pomer
Email Author

When you're not puttering around in the garden, read this column.

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To prune or not to prune?

April 24, 2007 09:27 AM
 
 
A lot of people I know avoid pruning. Half of these people will know that pruning needs to be done in their garden but they avoid it. The other half will be oblivious to the vast size of the plant until it is blocking their front door.

What is to be done?

The only way to prune confidently is to do your research and practice, practice, practice. I like to encourage people who are hesitant to prune their plants to take a course or read a couple of books about pruning practices. So do your research on pruning and be confident. Don't worry, cutting a few branches back every year will not harm or kill your plants.

What is the general goal in pruning?

* To maintain the current size of the plant

* To preserve its beauty and overall form

* To retain the health of the plant by removing diseased or damaged growth

Prune subtly so you cannot tell that the plant has been pruned

Pruning Times

Typically you should prune spring flowering shrubs after they flower and late summer or fall flowering shrubs in early spring - but there are exceptions to this general rule. Do your research for the best pruning results. Talk to the horticulturalist at the nursery or visit the gardening section of your favourite library. Never take out more than one third of the shrub in one season. Regular pruning every year is better than waiting until the plant is overgrown after five years and then starting. By then it is almost too late. Once a plant is overgrown and too large for the space it is often impossible to prune it back without compromising its health, aesthetics and overall shape.

Safety First

Wear goggles, gloves as well as a long sleeved shirt and pants while pruning. Nothing spoils a pruning attempt more than a trip to the emergency room. Typically for tree pruning and shrubs over 10 feet tall, I would consult a certified arbourist for assistance.

Take your time while pruning and remember to step back and look at your work periodically (every five minutes). Use sharp pruning tools and select the proper one for the job at hand. Good pruning practices ensure a healthy plant that will grow safely and thrive in its environment. It's all right to fear pruning initially, but the more you practice the better you will become.

 

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments please email Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca