Pruning Made Easy
(Page 3 of 4)
Shape formal hedges so that planes are narrower at their
tops than at their bottoms.
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This allows light to bathe all parts of the hedge so the
hedge doesn't thin out at its ankles. Shear mature, formal
hedges after their spring flush of growth, almost back to
where growth began for that season. Prune informal hedges
the same as individual shrubs: Each year, remove some older
stems at the plants' bases, thin out excess young stems and
shorten stems that are too long.
DECIDUOUS TREES
Trees do eventually assert their individual character as
they age, but early training can be important for long-term
strength and beauty. Except for small trees that develop
multiple trunks, allow only one vertical shoot to become
the trunk, then the central leader (the main vertical
branch) running up through the tree. Bend down, cut back,
or cut off any competitors. Also use this strategy for
coniferous and broadleaf evergreen trees.
For scaffold branches — the future side limbs —
select stems that are thinner than the central leader and
spaced 1 to 2 feet apart. The height of the lowest scaffold
limb depends on how high a head you want. Scaffold limbs
will grow thicker, but their aboveground height never
changes.
Allow weak temporary branches to remain along the
developing trunk and central leader to help thicken and
protect the branches from sunburn. Remove these temporary
branches after a couple of years.
Prune the developing tree as little as possible. You want
growth, and any pruning stunts growth to some degree.
Use thinning cuts to reduce or maintain size and let light
and air into the crown of a mature or overgrown tree.
Gradual Renovation of a Neglected Shrub
FIRST YEAR
Thin the youngest stems and cut away some of the oldest
stems.
SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS
Repeat the first-year sequence.
CONIFEROUS TREES AND BUSHES
Generally, coniferous evergreens need little pruning when
being trained or after they mature, especially if you plant
one suited to the site. There are so many shapes and sizes
available for most kinds of conifers that it's often
possible to select a plant that will just fit its intended
space and require no pruning.
