A Discussion of Pruning, Part 1

Winter months are a good time to check plants for pruning needs. Growth problems are more evident. One can easily spot potential problems caused by branches...

Felco Pruner #6
Item # 99767 		Felco Pruner #6

each $49.95
  • Topic: Pruning
  • Author: Katherine O'Brien
  • Keywords: trees, bush, pruning, Pruning, branches,
  • Date: January 2004

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Looking out the window at my winter garden, I notice a flock of sparrows feasting on the fruit of my weeping crabapple. Then I notice the Cranberry Bush Viburnum, also with a plethora of fruit. On closer examination, I also see the bush needs pruning. Several branches are aiming toward the ground. Removing the horizontal growth would channel the plant’s energy to the remaining upright branches, allowing it to grow into the tall shrub I need to screen a fence.

Winter months are a good time to check plants for pruning needs. Growth problems are more evident. One can easily spot potential problems caused by branches too numerous, too close, or going in the wrong direction. Winter and early spring is also the best time to prune because most plants are dormant and their energy levels for defense and recovery are highest. They are not expending energy growing.

Fruit trees, flowering trees, shade trees, summer flowering shrubs and vines, and perennial flowers and grasses all favor a late winter, early spring pruning.

Perennial flowers and ornamental grasses are generally pruned down to their basal growth, the leaves just above ground level. For trees and shrubs, it is best to remove no more than a third of the plant’s growth at a time. If the plant is older or weakened, less than a quarter of its growth should be removed at one time.

Flowers on shrubs such as Lilacs, Forsythia, and Climbing Roses bloom on last year’s growth. Any growth removed in early spring will consequently result in a loss of flowers. For maximum flower show, prune spring flowering shrubs after they bloom.

In Santa Fe, roses are best pruned in mid-April. Earlier pruning encourages new growth, which could be damaged by late frost. Roses should be pruned using the less than one third removal rule. Our cold spring weather can discourage over-pruned roses. Applying glue to newly pruned tips will keep the cane borer from damaging the rose cane.