Pruning: Why, How, When

 Do not know where the photo went.

Is your yard is looking a bit unruly after all the spring rain and storms? Grab a sharp pruning shears and clean things up a bit.
My favorite thing to prune is my arborvitaes and evergreens because it reminds me of years gone by. When I was a young teenager, my first job was shearing pines. Long, hot days shaping these beauties into what would be cut Christmas trees come Fall. Good memories!

WHY PRUNE?

Pruning is a dwarfing process that invigorates growth for the remaining part. Prune to keep growth dense, keep plants small and to modify shape.

HOW TO PRUNE

Use sharp, clean tools
Make smooth cuts
Always cut back to a growing point — a bud or branch; don’t leave long stubs
Paint or spray wounds larger than 1? with wound dressing
Remove deadwood and suckers ANY time they appear;  no need to wait until a certain time of year
Repair storm damage as soon as possible

WHEN TO PRUNE Common Backyard Shrubs

By late-spring, early summer these shrubs may need pruning:
Barberry – remove old shoots and control shape
Forsythia – thin out older, woody branches to ground level
Honeysuckle (shrub) – thin out older, woody branches to ground level
Lilac – remove flower heads, suckers and 1/3 of the oldest wood
Mockorange – thin old canes
Mountainlaurel – heavy pruning to control shape
Pruning is a creative art; a way to beautify your yard and outdoor space. Have fun!

(part of article by Paula B.)

Garden Lady - Carol A. Gras