Pruning is the selective removal of plant parts, typically shoots and branches, to improve health, control growth or enhance fruiting, flowering or appearance. Careful selective pruning retains the tree’s natural shape and beauty. Proper pruning is an important part of caring for-and protecting the health of your trees. It should be a routine part of your maintenance. Proper maintenance, including pruning, enables plants to use water more efficiently.

Pruning Principles Always know why you are going to prune. Know when to prune Use the proper tool Think safety first. Reasons to Prune Remove dead branches or limbs Repair damage from storm Control size and form Training young plants Influence fruit production or flowers To reduce plant stress
What to Prune Dead or broken branches Stubs Root suckers and water sprouts Rubbing and crossing branches Narrow or weak crotches Prune to a single leader Parallel branches Severe pruning encourages lush growth which demands more water.

When to Prune

• Light pruning, removal of small or a few limbs, can be done anytime.
• Good rule of thumb is to prune when the tree is dormant, after leaf drop or early spring before bud break.
• To encourage rapid shoot development and greatest overall plant growth, prune just prior to firstspring growth flush.
• Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs after flowering—if done before you will remove the flower buds which form on old wood.
• Summer bloomers should be pruned before bud break, i.e. crape myrtle.
• To avoid the spread of oak wilt, do not prune oak trees between February 15-June 1.
• Pruning at the wrong time can encourage new growth which is susceptible to plant stress or winter damage and cause the plant to demand more water to rejuvenate.

Tools for the Job

• Hand pruners are for cutting small branches less than ½ inch diameter.
• Hand loppers are for medium branches ½ to ¾ inch.
• Bow saw or small chain saw for branches greater than 4 inches.
• Pole saws for hard to reach limbs or branches.
• Sterilize tools before and after pruning. Alcohol or 10% bleach/water solution.
• Keep your tools sharp.
• Proper tools allow for sharp easier cutting without injuring surrounding tissue. Injured tissue is susceptible to disease and decay which can cause stress.

Proper Pruning Cuts

• Flush cuts or leaving stubs encourages rot and decay and can injure the trunk which causes stress.
• Collar cuts encourage better wound closure and keep the tree’s natural protection zone intact
• When removing old stubs, take care not to cut into callus, or living tissue. Remove only the dead portion.
• When cutting branches over 1 inch in diameter, use the 3 cut method to avoid tearing the bark of the trunk

First cut on underside of branch, 1 to 2 feet out from trunk and about half-way through the branch. Second cut is made on top of branch about 3 inches further out from first cut. As this cut is made, the weight of the branch will cause it to break between two cuts. If there is danger of branch damaging other limbs below or objects on ground, then support and carefully lower the branch to the ground. Remaining stub can be cut back just to branch collar.

Avoid Topping a Tree Topping is drastic removal, or cutting back of large branches in mature trees. Leaves large open wounds which lead to decay, insect and disease problems. Produces large quantities of water sprouts or weakened shoots. Starves the tree because of lack of foliage, weakens the roots, and reduces the tree’s structural strength. Trees with a healthy root system use water more efficiently and are more drought tolerant. Encourages weak, thicker regrowth which will catch more wind, and prone to breaking.

Trees and shrubs promote water efficiency and preserve the environment by:

• Moderating climate.
• Reducing evaporation from the soil.
• Improving air quality.
• Providing shade for our homes and landscaped beds.
• Acting as wind barriers, reducing evaporation from plants and soil.
• Reducing the possibility of flooding by minimizing storm run-off.

Trees and shrubs are the most important living elements of your landscape. Proper pruning will protect their health and beauty. Healthy plants are better able to withstand our harsh conditions, using water more efficiently and tolerating drought conditions. Improperly pruned plants can lead to weakened or unhealthy conditions. Proper maintenance, including pruning, mowing and fertilizing, produces a more water efficient lawn and garden.