FLOWERS WORLD

Myths About Pruning
There are a number of myths and misconceptions about
pruning which should be laid to rest.
Pruning is difficult. Pruning is straightforward if one
knows a little about how the plant grows and what it
should look like when the process is complete.
Plants will die if pruned at the wrong time of year.
Plants may be injured, but seldom, if ever, are they killed
by poorly timed pruning.
All pruning must be done during the winter. Actually,
many plants are best pruned during the growing season.
Topping shade trees will keep the trees from causing
damage to the home. Shoots which grow after
topping are weaker than the original limbs. They will be
more likely to split off and cause damage unless they are
removed every few years. Also, wood rots are more
likely to be a problem in topped trees, resulting in poorer
tree health and greater likelihood of limb breakage.
Removing a tree is a crime against nature. If a plant is
in the wrong place, from a functional or aesthetic viewpoint,
it is by definition a weed and can be removed. This
is especially true when a tree must be mutilated beyond
recognition to eliminate the problem it is causing.
Most trees need pruning. Actually, mature trees
seldom do. Young trees usually benefit because pruning
helps in establishing the basic branch structure and in
overcoming transplanting shock.
Hedge shears are all you need to prune shrubs.
Hedge shears are intended to prune hedges, only! Using
them on shrubs not intended as hedge plants destroys
the natural grace and beauty of the plants.
Anyone with a pickup truck and a chain saw is a
qualified pruner. Indiana has no licensure for tree
pruners, thus some individuals doing pruning work may
not be knowledgeable or skilled in proper techniques.
Never hire someone who stops and tells you that your
plants need pruning and that he will do it right away.
Obtain references, and see their work first!
All cut surfaces must be treated with tree paint.
While long recommended, the evidence is conflicting on
the use of tree paint. Largely, its use should be thought
of as cosmetic, helping to hide light-colored scars.