Here are the basic pruning cuts to do
now:
Suckers
You can always remove suckers. They
are either coming from the root area, or those straight branches that magically
show up one day. They steal the water and nutrients from the rest of the plant. Remove these whenever you see them. This is a weeping crabapple and I found this sucker growing up rather than down, off it comes.
Just like suckers broken branches can be removed anytime. The tree may use unnecessary energy to try and repair the broken
branch, removing it will send the nutrients where they are best used, the healthy part of the plant.
Take the limb back to the main branch.
Take the limb back to the main branch.
When branches are crossed the wind
can rub them together causing open wounds. The open area is a perfect spot for pests like bugs and disease to get into your
tree. This tree is a mess and needs general clean up, as well getting rid of the crossed branches.
Shaping
Many trees do quite well without pruning. It is when a tree is planted in the wrong spot for its size and growth pattern that we need to prune. This means removing lower branches for foot or car traffic. It may also become necessary to remove branches for structural and spacing reasons. Make sure air and light can circulate thought out the tree. Sometimes is it worth the money to hire someone who is trained and experienced in tree pruning. Otherwise keep your pruning to one a few branches at a time, wait 2 to 3 weeks in between heaving pruning this will let the plant recover easier.
Pruning Perennials and Grasses
As you can see from my photos I
have left my perennials for spring pruning. As they go dormant in the fall the nutrients and energy from the leaves and stems will head to the root system for use over the winter.
I also feel that leaving the dried material will help insulate the top of the root zone. Our snow usually melts to fast for
any insulation benefits. Stating in March I will look for
plants that are showing green close to ground level
and start cleaning up.
The same goes for grasses, not only it is great looking, but the dried top acts as an insulation for the roots.
any insulation benefits. Stating in March I will look for
plants that are showing green close to ground level
and start cleaning up.
The same goes for grasses, not only it is great looking, but the dried top acts as an insulation for the roots.
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