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Better to be pruned to grow than cut up to burn.
~John Trapp
Learning how to prune woody ornamentals may be difficult at first. For many gardeners, it can be daunting trying to decide what to cut and what to leave! Pruning is necessary and should not be avoided or intimidating. In fact, it is beneficial for the overall health of a plant. Remember: practice makes perfect and, in no time, pruning will become second nature!
I have discovered through the years that most pruning principles are common sense. I am excited to share my six favorite pruning tips! It’s time to break out your pruning tools and leave your fears behind!Let’s get started:
- Consider the shape and design you wish to create before you start pruning. It’s important to have a clear vision and plan in mind! Your decision on the shape and design will dictate the amount of pruning necessary.
- Always remove dead, broken, diseased or insect-infested branches.
- Branches that criss-cross, grow toward the interior, or ruin the shape and appearance of a plant should be removed.
- To avoid excessive and unattractive clumping of branches at the top, thin out rather than cut back.
- Always prune suckers and water shoots.
- Cut off any old stubs. is good for our plants and good for us, too!
After all, we all need a bit of trimming, reshaping, controlling, and snipping from time to time! Happy pruning!
May all your gardens grow!
