Let's discuss the importance of pruning. While a tree will not directly die from a lack of pruning, neglecting the structure of a tree can impact its long-term health. Lack of pruning in a tree can lead to structural defects. These structural defects can result in significant portions of a tree failing.
Several consequences occur when pruning is not performed at all. These include development of low aggressive limbs, weak codominant stems, bark inclusions, and accumulation of dead branches. The first three occur primarily, but not exclusively, in planted trees.
Many people aren't sure what to do or when to do it. However, proper pruning is essential for maintaining attractive and healthy trees and shrubs. The practice of pruning can be simplified through an understanding of the basic principles and techniques.
Removing the dead, diseased, and injured parts of a tree or shrub maximizes their vigor and aesthetic qualities. Removing vulnerable parts of the plant will also minimize the potential for pest damage. Plus, pruning encourages good growth patterns and improves air circulation.
Tree pruning actually promotes new growth. When you remove struggling or unattractive branches, your tree can dedicate more resources (like water and nutrients) to other parts of the plant.
In John 15:2 (AMP), Jesus says, Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]. Pruning is vitally important for us to grow in our walk with God.
An improper cut like a flush cut (cutting too close to the trunk) or a stub cut (cutting too far from the trunk) can cause irreversible damage to a tree. A flush cut removes the branch collar and leaves a large wound in the side of the tree that won't heal properly.
By removing the apex, pruning temporarily destroys apical dominance and stimulates the growth of lateral buds into shoots. Figure 4. Pruning stimulates lateral shoot growth close to the cut. Pruning also reduces the size of the above-ground portion of the plant in relation to the root system (Fig.
The General Pruning Timeline for Healthy Trees
But in general, most arborists will suggest the following: Mature Trees—Should be pruned or trimmed every 3-5 years. Juvenile Trees—Should be pruned or trimmed every 2-3 years.
Because trees go dormant in cold weather, winter is the ideal time to prune and shape them. Without leaves, there's less in the way. This makes it easier to visualize a tree's branch structure. It's vital to get this task done before the weather warms, so you're not cutting into new growth.
Did you know that if you prune too late in the season, you stimulate new growth, which will not have time to harden off before the first frost, which will be coming soon to our neck of the woods. This can weaken and damage the plant, so its best to leave the pruning until spring.
You should not do aggressive pruning in summer. Major structural pruning should wait until the plant is dormant in winter. Improper pruning will stress the plant. You might cut off valuable buds.
Pruning a tree can influence in what way the tree grows. With proper pruning, a tree can be made to grow into a certain configuration of limbs and branches that is more ideal for the structural integrity of the tree. Maintaining the tree's structure helps to mitigate the risk of broken limbs and falling branches.
Can tree branches grow back? When pruned properly, removed tree branches will not grow back. Instead, the tree will grow what looks like a callous over the pruning cut, which helps protect the tree from decay and infection. Because trees heal all on their own, you don't have to use a pruning sealer!
Young trees should be inspected and trimmed every 1-5 years. Mature trees may benefit from a yearly inspection with perhaps a five- to 10-year cycle of trimming and pruning. Fruit trees may need to be trimmed annually. Hire a qualified arborist to trim trees.
Cut too much and you'll risk nutritional deficiencies or branches that are too weak to tolerate the wind or fend off diseases or insect invasions. Over pruning and topping can permanently disfigure your trees, or even kill them. Further, a tree's foliage is important for protecting it against excessive sun exposure.
Pruning Too Aggressively
Yes, it can be fun to prune, but unless you're turning your hydrangea or crepe myrtle into a topiary, don't overdo it. Over-pruning can permanently damage a plant, stunt its growth, and make it susceptible to disease.
After a tree is topped, it grows back rapidly in an attempt to replace its missing leaves. Leaves are needed to manufacture food for the tree. Without new leaves, the tree will die. The new branches that sprout up below the cuts will continue to grow quickly until they reach the same size it was before it was topped.
Studies have shown that within 48 h after pruning, the sugar and starch of the buds on the plant stems will be temporarily lost, and then will increase rapidly and reach a stable level. The changes in nutrients directly promote the development of flower buds (Girault et al., 2010).
No Flush Cuts
While it may look clean and streamlined, a flush cut removes the branch collar, an area of tissue that's needed to form a seal over the pruning cut. Because the plant cannot close over the wound, a flush cut leaves an opening for pests and pathogens to enter the plant and damage or kill it.
Follow The 1/3 Rule
It involves trimming around 1/3 of the branch, as cutting more than that may increase the chances of damage or stunt its growth. However, pruning too little will not give you the desired result.
What is improper pruning? Cutting too close to the nodes or too far from the trunk is referred to as improper pruning. It can cause irreversible damage to your plants. What types of pruning are often done? Thinning cuts, reduction cuts, and heading cuts are often done to prune a plant.
How to Fix an Over-Pruned Tree or Shrub. While some plants need a heftier prune than others, in general, the golden rule is to trim no more than 15 to 20 percent of a tree's canopy at one time. Keep that in mind for next time.