Many a time, people shy away from pruning because they are afraid they might ruin their plants. But in this case, it is best not to avoid it. Why, you ask?
This is because we mainly prune to maintain the health and shape of our trees and shrubs.
Why is Pruning so necessary, and how does it help?
Removing dead and damaged branches will discourage insects from nesting. This will also prevent fungal infections from entering the wood because fungi love enclosed environments with high humidity and no sunlight. When certain diseases are suspected, it is a good practice to disinfect your pruning tools after each cut to avoid it spreading to healthy growth.
You should take any cuttings with diseased material to a waste disposal site or by burning responsibly. Remove crowded and crossing branches to let in air circulation and sunlight. More often than not, plants grow too quickly and smother smaller ones nearby. Pruning to create space for other existing plants will keep the landscape looking its best.
How pruning can help unveil your plants’ natural aesthetic:
We also prune to create a formal look, such as creating specific geometrical shapes or structures for the garden. Another reason to prune is to encourage flowers, roses, and vines to bloom more prolifically, but only if pruned properly. Some trees and shrubs have colourful bark and stems, like Paper Birch and Amur Cherry, which can be enhanced by proper pruning. The last reason for pruning would be to encourage more fruit production.
A few plants require pruning at certain times of the year. Maple trees should be pruned after their leaves are set out in the spring. All spring flowering shrubs, like Lilac and Forsythia, set their next year’s buds in late summer/fall, so they should be pruned after flowering in the spring or early summer. Formal hedges can be trimmed several times during the summer to maintain their shape. Fruit trees can be pruned after the fruit is set or in the winter or early spring. Evergreens can be done after their new spring needles emerge. Most other trees and shrubs are pruned in late fall and early spring when their leaves are off. This way, it is easier to see the overall plant structure. Any crossing or rubbing branches should be removed.
Most amateur gardeners are reluctant to prune, but plants are surprisingly resilient and are pretty difficult to kill from pruning.
When in doubt, stick to the 4 D’s
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, and dying branches; never remove more than 1/3 of the plant's size or call a professional.
Have you already taken on the challenge of pruning but can’t seem to make your garden blossom? Approach us, your Kelowna-based landscape designers, for some guidance on reviving your outdoor space, and we can help restore its former glory.