Procedures for Pruning
Specific Trees and Shrubs
Deciduous Shrubs and Trees
Always allow a shrub or tree to develop its natural
shape, except when special effects are desirable, such
as for hedges. “Haircut” pruning should be avoided.
Perfectly sheared globes and squares make a mockery
of the plant’s natural form and beauty. (See Fig. 5.)
Instead, use the thinning technique on both shrubs and
trees. Cut the branches at different lengths, 1/4" above
an active bud. Remove twigs or branches selectively and
thus reduce overcrowding. Some stems should also be
removed at ground level. The length of new shoots
should be reduced 1/3 to 1/2 of their length, which
induces side shoots to develop.
Cutting above a bud prevents dieback of the stem and
encourages a new branch to develop from the bud. The
haircut technique causes a dense growth at the ends of
the pruned branches which shades the rest of the plant,
thus causing the plant to eventually develop a leggy
appearance. If a shrub develops a weak, dense growth,
thin out many of the smaller branches and twigs. This
promotes the vigorous growth of the remaining
branches. Also remove branches which tend to rub
against one another, opening wounds for the entrance of
disease.
Always remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches
and limbs from established plants as well as newly
planted trees and shrubs. The plant should then develop
new, stronger growth, free of diseases. Also, remove
dead flower branches, dead flowers, and old fruit stocks
as soon as the flowers have wilted or the fruit has
dropped. This stimulates new growth and helps to make
a stronger tree or shrub. It also encourages plants such
as rhododendrons to produce more flower buds for next
season
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