Properly Pruning Trees, Shrubs and Flowers - Tips To Help You

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Pruning your trees, shrubs and flowers properly is important as well as trimming at the right time. There is a basic rule of thumb when trimming plant specimens. A lot of questions are being asked about different trees and shrubs and when you should trim back the branches? Also some questions on when to cut back flowers or dead head them? Dead head means to cut or pop off the dead flower. Many plants with flowers will continually bloom after you take the dead ones off.

Trimming should be done when the tree or shrub is about to go in its dormant stage. A deciduous plant will stop growing or become dormant during the colder months. Even an evergreen will also slow down its growth during winter. In the springtime you will see a lot of new growth on your shrubs and trees. This is the time they come out of a dormant state and begin growing. Don't trim the new branches or leaves in spring. Fall is the best time of year to trim most plant specimens.

The first major tip on trimming any plant is to cut the branch at an angle. Cutting the branch straight across could damage the tree or shrub. A diagonal trim will promote new growth. There is an exception to this if you are using electric clippers. Some landscapers and lawn maintenance companies will use the electric clippers to shape a hedge row of shrubs. People wanting a formal hedge will have the shrubs rounded or squared. Pruning is popular in Formal Gardens. You can see the rows of hedges trimmed. This should also be done in fall or late winter. The picture above and below show you a straight cut versus an angle cut.

The next tip to pruning is in thinking of each individual tree or shrub. Each specimen grows at different times and has either an upright look, full branch and leaf structure, or a sprawling out appearance. Keep the plants growing in their natural state. What I mean by this is to cut back the branches or limbs with the shape of the tree or shrub. Let the plant grow naturally as it was meant to. I have seen people trim back older shrubs too far and all they have left is just a tiny bit of foliage and the rest is all old branches.

I believe the best way to prune any plant is to manually trim with pruners or clippers for the larger branches. When time is a factor people like to take the electric trimmers as it will go a lot quicker. The problem with this method is you do not get the proper angle all the time when you are cutting more then one branch or leaf. You have your favorite plants situated throughout your landscape areas. You have made a commitment to invest in your plant material, so take the time to properly prune each of your shrubs and trees. These tools are not real expensive and work well with any type of shrub or tree limb. Besides a small trimmer and limb or branch clipper, I have a little tip for finely shaping a shrub. Use a pair of scissors! That's right, an actual pair of good scissors. I view a shrub like giving a hair cut to a human. Many of my clients want their shrubs trimmed neatly and the final stage to finish in shaping. This will allow you to use the scizzors and fine tune what the pruners couldn't do. This little extra step gives the plant a professional clean cut appearance.



The same method is used if you are topping off a tree. It does not matter if you have a Cleveland Pear, Arizona Cypress, or Arborvitaes, they are all trimmed the same way. An angled cut on the top limbs will ensure a continual healthy tree. Topping a tree is also best done in the fall season, or late winter. If you are taking down major large tree branches try a bow saw first. If the limb is too thick a chain saw may be in order. The rule still goes for cutting the branch, at an angle. If you are trimming a large amount off a tree or possibility cutting it down, you might want to consider hiring a landscape specialist to ensure your safety and also the safety of your property. There is a proper technique called felling, which means cutting down a tree. This is an art and there are several steps to be taken. I do not recommend felling a tree unless you are absolutely sure you you understand each step. Talk to a local professional before beginning this project. I have worked with many tree specialists and they know exactly how to cut branches and the precise place to drop the tree on the property.

This is just some simple basic tips on properly pruning any tree or shrub. There are some specific shrubs and trees that may be an exception to the fall and late winter pruning schedule. Azaleas for examples can be trimmed after blooming in the spring. The Encore Azaleas bloom twice a year, so I recommend trimming them only in late fall. Other flowering shrubs require the same schedule of trimming back after bloom time. If you have any questions on your particular shrub or tree, feel free to contact me and I would be happy to assist you in developing your pruning schedule.