Dark Dirt

Pruning is the act of removing stems or branches from a plant. It's not complicated, but sometimes, it's difficult. We gardeners love our plants and the thought of tearing off a branch can be distressing. Take heart ... the 3 D's of pruning are the guiding principles. Remove Dead, Diseased or Damaged branches.

How to prune using the right pruning tools

Step one is to remove any dead branches. Get down into the center of the plant. If the branches are large, use loppers. Loppers are 2 handed pruners, which allow you to cut the thicker stems.

For small plants, hand pruners will do the job. In either case, anvil pruners should be used. They have one sharp blade that chops against a flat plate. They're perfect for dead wood.

In some cases you will not be able to get the loppers or hand pruner into the tight spots. In these circumstances a trusty saw pruner works well.

Step two is to remove damaged stems. Any branch, which is rubbing against another branch or object, is damaged. Usually an opening or scar forms on the spot. This becomes the perfect hole for pests.

Look for other signs of damage and remove these stems as well. In most cases these stems are living. For this reason a clean cut is essential. This is obtained using bypass pruners or pruning shears. They work like scissors which results in a sharp, clean cut that will heal easily.

Step three gives you the chance to shape your plant. Usually bushes, shrubs and small trees are pruned to keep them under control. It's also an opportunity to thin the plant so light can reach the center.

When to Prune

Most plants are pruned in late winter or very early spring, just before they begin to grow. If a shrub or bush flowers on old wood it is often not pruned until after it has flowered in the spring.

This allows you to enjoy all the blooms. Of course cutting a plant at any point in the season is pruning. This is especially true when cutting roses. Rose pruners should be used to ensure these stems are not damaged.

Early spring

If you happen to have a flowering bush or shrub that you are pruning in late winter be sure to bring a few of the branches in to brighten your kitchen. Simply put them in a vase with water and wait. In a few weeks you will be enjoying the blossoms.

Pruning the tall trees

Pruning trees can be a challenge. If you attempt to do this yourself you will need a pole tree pruner or telescoping pole pruner. The extending handles will allow you to reach the high branches with out having to climb the tree. For some of the thicker branches a pruner saw will also be required.

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