February 27, 2013

With the recent heavy snow we have had, it is likely that you will have some tree and shrub damage, and may need some corrective pruning done.  Pruning is an essential maintenance practice for plants in the home landscape.  Here are some tips to help you feel more confident while pruning.

1. Start pruning while plants are young to maintain the natural form and avoid the need for corrective pruning later.

2. Know why the plant is being pruned and what your final goal is before you start.

3. Time your pruning properly for aesthetic and functional reasons.

4. Remove any dead, broken, injured, diseased, or insect infested branches. When removing diseased wood, clean your tools after each cut by immersing cutting blades in rubbing alcohol or household bleach.

5. Prune out undesirable branches such as crossovers, suckers, sprouts, or those branches which are too long or too low.

6. Make proper cuts without leaving stubs, but don’t cut into the collar.

7. Clean and oil metal parts of pruning tools when finished.

Know that we are here to assist you with all of your maintenance needs, as well as pruning!