Flower care

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