FLOWERS WORLD

Reasons to Prune
Pruning is necessary to maintain a healthy, vigorous tree
or shrub. Specifically, pruning is practiced to:
Maintain or reduce plant size. Pruning can prevent a
plant from overgrowing its space in the landscape and
eliminates the need for drastic cutting of crowded,
overgrown plants. It can allow for growth of plants under
or adjacent to the pruned plant. It can also serve to
reduce leaf area on newly planted trees and shrubs. This
promotes survival through transplanting and consequent
root loss.
Remove undesirable growth. Pruning can encourage
plant vigor through the removal of weak, overcrowded
growth. Such thinning often improves the visual balance
or symmetry of the plant.
Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches. Pruning
will aid in maintaining the shape, vigor, and health of
the plant.
Stimulate flowering and fruiting. Removal of the
current year’s old, faded flowers and fruit clusters will
promote flower buds for the following season.
Rejuvenate and restore old plants to vigorous
growth. Proper pruning can restore a youthful, natural
growth habit in certain overgrown shrubs.
Prevent damage to life and property. Pruning can
minimize the hazard of limbs interfering with power lines
or overgrowing structures. It can also remove weak
crotches before limbs break in strong winds and open
blocked sight lines caused by overhanging limbs at
driveways or street corners.
Shape plants in an artificial form. Pruning and shearing
can be used to shape plants as hedges or for rigidly
formal espaliers or topiaries