The secret to pruning is having proper tools
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Pruning is one of the most rewarding jobs in the garden. The problem is, not all of us enjoy it. I think this is mostly due to our fears of removing blooms or destroying a beautiful part of our landscape.
Do not fear. We can help you make great pruning decisions and enjoy the process.
The first concept of proper pruning is to understand the difference between pruning and shearing. Pruning is making selective cuts. Shearing is just cutting all branches/stems back to the same level. Imagine those square shrubs in front of many homes. They are an excellent example of shearing. However, shearing is not always the best way to reduce branching and growth. Most of the time, it causes more harm than good.
Pruning is an art form, but there is science behind the where to cut and when to cut. Pruning takes time. It stimulates dormant buds to break, forming new growth. Bad pruning cannot be fixed in one season, or even two. So, understanding science gets you started, then you can use your skill to create an artform.
Whether we prune for shape, size, fruit or just to remove broken branches, we must use the correct tools.
Hand-held bypass pruners are for live growth. These pruners have a blade that slides past a solid piece of metal to make a clean cut, similar to scissors, but with more strength. An anvil pruner presses the blade into the center of a solid piece of metal. This makes a crushing cut on live growth, but does a nice job breaking off dead stems and branches.
When deciding on the proper tool, the first thing to remember is the size of the stem or branch you are cutting. Smaller diameters require a smaller pair of pruners. If you are straining to cut, then the tool is too small. Pruning saws are a great investment and a much easier cutting tool for larger branches.
Before starting to prune, know what will happen after you make the cut. If buds break next spring, in what direction will those buds grow? If shearing the hedge for the fifth year in a row, will there be any green growth returning next year? Can the hedge be properly trimmed using selective pruning? If pruning today, will there be any blooms next spring? Understanding the effects of pruning will help ease any concerns about going outside with the pruners.
Practice makes perfect. Try out your pruning skills on forgiving plants or shrubs, not your prize plants. Make a limited number of cuts. Then return in a few days to see your results and decide if any more cuts are needed.
Want to learn more and get some hands-on practice? Join OSU Extension-Mahoning County, Boardman Park and the Mahoning Valley Landscape and Nursery Association on Oct. 14 at Boardman Park for All About the Fall Landscape.
The program will cover practical tips for preparing your lawn and landscape for fall and winter, including essential fall lawn-care practices, which trees and shrubs can be pruned in the fall, and other steps to help keep your landscape healthy and attractive.
The cost is $5. Registration is required. Call 330-533-5538 to register.