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Tree Selection Checklist | Tips for Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
Spring Pruning
by Diane Heeney
Description: When and how to prune your trees and shrubs.
Winter and early spring is the time to prune deciduous trees
and shrubs.
They are dormant at this time and have lost their leaves.
Pruning
should be done for specific reasons, such as making a more
attractive specimen,
removing dead or diseased branches, or opening up the tree for
better pollination
of fruit trees for example. You can use a tree saw or
pruner.
A by-pass pruner is recommended, rather than the anvil
type. The
blades slide past each other similar to a scissors.
The proper place to make your cut is flush with the branch
"collar."
The collar is the swelling between the trunk and branch. Do
not cut
into it or leave a stump. This will seal out disease.
If the
wound heals over in the shape of a "donut," you have done it
right.
Tree paints are no longer recommended, in fact could interfere
with the
natural plant chemicals nature put there for healing.
Once you have pruned a few trees, it's quite easy to see which
branches
should be taken out. Cull out the smallest branch, if you
have double
leaders. Branches that rub each other or property, or are
spaced
to closely up the trunk should be removed. Pick your branches
carefully,
for a reason, never top a tree, and use sharp cutters. When
dealing
with diseased wood, dip your cutters in bleach water. Anyone can
learn
to prune with confidence, even wack happy husbands. (Just
kidding).
Reprinted with permission.
