Flower care

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.