Pruning

The ideal time to prune trees and shrubs is in late winter, when plants are mostly dormant. Finish heavy pruning by mid-February, before buds show evidence of swelling. Don't take off more than one-quarter of the living tissue during the year.

Be careful not to over-prune. Over-pruning can weaken or even kill a plant. It also can decrease the plant's food-making capability, reduce flowering and increase water needs because of new shoot growth. Situations where pruning is appropriate include:

• Plant training
• Plant health maintenance
• To improve the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage and/or stems
• Growth restriction

Before you start

Before you prune, consider where you want the lowest permanent branch located, since branches remain at the same height even as the tree ages. If you want to walk or mow under a tree, prune low branches while they are still small.

For trees with a strong frame, you'll only need to prune for maintenance for the remainder of a tree's life, except for removing dead, ailing or broken limbs or branches that cross or rub in the wind.

How and where to cut

"Natural target pruning" uses locations normally produced on branches. Look closely at a branch where it attaches to the trunk for a slight bulge. This is the branch collar. Locate your cut through this bulge (it will take practice to find), leaving the smallest diameter wound possible without leaving a stub.

Use three cuts to remove large limbs:

1. Make the first cut 6 inches out from the trunk, cutting up from the bottom through the limb one-third of the way up.
   
   
2. Make the second cut about 3 inches out, cutting down from the top of the limb through the branch. This will allow the limb to break off at the first cut if it should start to tear back and stops the tear from continuing down the tree.
   
   
3. Finally, make the third cut back at the trunk just outside the branch collar to remove the stub.

Free classes in tree pruning and care are offered throughout the year at the Gardens at the Springs Preserve. Call the Gardens at 258-3205 for more information.