Pruning Terms w pruning removal of parts of

Pruning

Terms w pruning - removal of parts of the top or root systems of plants w fruit spur - stubby, fruit bearing twig

Terms w translocation - movement of water and soluble minerals from one part of the plant to another

Terms w inhibit - prohibit or slow action w hormones - chemical compounds produced by plant. Regulate plant functions

Terms w twig - very small branch of a tree w cane - stem of various fruits. Ex: raspberry

Terms w shoot bush - small outgrowth on a

Facts w generally has no specific season w continuous process w serves a purpose for the plant

Facts w enhances ornamental value w generally prune with natural form of the plant, not against it

Purposes w remove diseased, dead, or damaged limbs w restrict or promote growth w develop certain forms of growth

Methods of pruning w root w shoot or stem

Stem pruning w reduces amount of growth w influences vegetative reproductive balance of the plant w reduces plant size, yield, and total amount of growth

Stem pruning w Increases supply of essential elements to the points of growth that remain

Stem pruning w promotes the making of cells and the utilization of carbohydrates w stimulates vegetative phase, retards reproductive phase

Root pruning w affects total amount of growth made w reduces amount of available essential elements - causes dwarfing

Root pruning w influences vegetative reproductive balance of plant w promotes root growth

Root pruning w favors reproduction, retards vegetative phase w used to prepare plants for transplanting

Top Pruning w heading back w thinning out

Heading back w terminal - top portion is removed w stimulates development of more points of growth

Heading back w induces compact, dense, or branched type of growth w removes hormones that inhibit branching

Thinning out w entire twig, cane, or shoot is removed w does not prevent development of lateral buds w induces open type of growth

General rules w use correct tools for the job w prune back to existing bud or to a side branch w never leave a stub!!!!!

General rules w cut larger limbs in three steps w draw the illustration on the board silly teacher! : )

General Rules w pruning in summer results in greater dwarfing than pruning in late winter months

General Rules w buy and plant trees and shrubs that have the characteristics and shape that you want

Pruning tools w thumb and forefinger w pinch off shoots w pinch off unwanted buds, long stems, and fruit spurs w snap off faded blooms or seed pods

Edgers w enable user to stand cut the edges of lawns w also used on ground covers

Grass Shear w used to cut grass around sidewalks, driveways and planting beds

Lopping Shears w use when added leverage is needed w used for reaching into trees w small branches or twigs

Pruning Shears w many types

Hedge Shears w hand operated w electric or gas powered

Pruning Saws w cut quickly w useful in overhead work w straight or curved

Pole Pruners & Saws w used to cut or saw branches high overhead w telescoping - go up to 18 feet

How and When w Deciduous Shade Trees w when - dormant - early spring before leafing out w exception - bleeder trees Mid June

Bleeder trees w Sugar Maple

What to look for w Central Leader - single leader w multiple leaders - narrow crotch angles in time will break

What to Look for w scaffold branches w crotch angle 45 -90 degrees w limbs spirally arranged w prune off lower limbs 8 -10 feet high

What to Look for w distance vertically between scaffold branches w lowest branch on SW side w remove suckers - weak wood w remove hangers

What to Look for w remove water sprouts w remove parts growing in toward center of trees

Fruit Tree Pruning w spurs - majority of fruit production is borne on spurs w open tree up to let light into spurs w spurs bear fruit every other year

Evergreens w don’t respond well to pruning w broadleaf - like deciduous flowering shrubs

Evergreens w needle types - pines, spruce, fir, juniper, yews, respond better w spruce or fir - single needle prune back to 1/4 inch above axillary bud

Junipers & Yews w awl shaped needles w prune spring to mid summer w when temperature is above freezing

Pine w candle growth - new growth from tip of branches, milky green color w remove 1/3 to 1/2 of candle growth in the spring

Deciduous shrubs w spring flowering - lilac, honeysuckle w set flower buds during previous year w prune after flowering

Summer flowering w roses, hydrangia w set flower buds same year that they flower in spring w prune before bud set

Deciduous shrubs w avoid August and September pruning for all deciduous material