An ancient proverb offers this wise advice about raising children. The same could be said for raising and caring for woody plants.
“Raise a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This wise counsel passed down from the older to the younger makes a valid point. The senior advisor tells his protege to know his child well enough to guide him according to his unique gifts and talents. He will have grown into his true, authentic self when he matures. He will enjoy what he is doing because he is well versed in it and had a chance to explore his talents as a child. Our trees and shrubs are also individuals who need guidance. Structural pruning is necessary for our trees, especially in communities where large trees are close together and very near our homes.
By engaging in proper pruning, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of large branches falling to the ground during a storm, thereby taking a proactive step in ensuring the safety of their property and loved ones.
Proper thinning techniques allow high winds to go through the open canopy instead of hitting a dense canopy and knocking the tree down or breaking a large branch.
I discovered this in the spring of 2010 when a microburst hit our small neighborhood. As I drove down the driveway, I could not believe my eyes. Ten of the oldest and largest trees came down. One of those trees, the granddaddy of them all, was estimated to be 150 years old, and I was greeted with what looked like a gigantic game of pick-up stix. The trunks of these massive trees were piled on top of each other. Miraculously, the wind blew them away from the house. I called to get help, but the tree companies were too busy handling serious emergencies, like trees that crashed onto a roof and into the home. Our situation was a big cleanup, but no one was in danger.
Shortening certain branches can change the shape of the mature tree to fit your space better.
Taking extra weight off a low-hanging branch can help it bounce back up and out of the way of pedestrian traffic instead of cutting the branch off.
A good nursery prunes its young saplings for structure and beauty. These young trees, if pruned well, will likely grow into structurally strong, safe trees. The beauty of a deciduous tree in the dead of winter, when it is adorned with its bare branches, is a testament to the artistry of winter pruning.
While large trees should be pruned by a local arborist, homeowners can take charge of their shrubs with some research and good arbor-culture techniques. This empowerment allows homeowners to contribute to the health and beauty of their outdoor spaces. Here are some tips for pruning woody shrubs in the winter:
When to prune?
- Prune on a dry, mild day. Avoid pruning when temperatures are below 25°F, as incisions can dry out and create an environment for disease.
What to prune?
- Remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches.
- Sometimes, it is appropriate to improve the appearance of evergreens; you can also remove lower branches.
How to prune?
- Think of the spokes of a bike tire or wagon wheel; shrubs and trees grow from the center of the plant outward.
- No more than 30% of the canopy
- Remove dead branches first
- Remove crossing branches next. Weeping Japanese maples are notoriousfor this type of pruning.
- * Cut branches at a downward angle above a node, where leaves, buds, and shoots grow from the stem. This prevents disease and die-back and encourages new growth. Avoid cutting more than 1 cm above a node, as this can leave an unattractive stump.
Tools Needed
- Bypass pruners such as Felco number 2 or if you are left-handed, Felco also makes a left-handed version of its famous pruners
- Pruning saw – Felco also makes a lovely foldable pruning saw; it is nice because it will fit in your pocket
- Bypass loppers
Tool Care
- To prevent the spread of disease, clean your pruning tools with a 10% rubbing alcohol and water solution. Also, wear eye protection.
- Spray the joints with W-D 40.
