What to Prune: Trimming Tips for Healthier Plants

Pruning is an important aspect of plant care, as it helps to maintain the health, shape, and productivity of plants. Knowing what to prune and when to do it even using adequate hand pruners can be challenging, as different plants have different needs.

In this article, we will discuss what to prune, when to prune, and how to prune different types of plants.

What is pruning in plants?

Pruning of plants is the process of selectively removing specific parts of the plant such as branches, buds, or roots to promote healthier growth, better structure, and more abundant flowering or fruiting using a hand pruner. The purpose of pruning can vary depending on the plant species and the desired outcome. Some plants require pruning to maintain a particular size and shape, while others need pruning to remove damaged or diseased portions. Pruning can also be used to promote air circulation, increase light penetration, and stimulate the growth of new buds or flowers. Overall, pruning is an important aspect of plant care that can help improve the health and appearance of plants.

Trees

Trees require pruning to maintain their shape, size, and health. There are several reasons why you might need to prune a tree, including:

• To remove dead or diseased branches
• To improve the shape or appearance of the tree
• To remove branches that are rubbing against each other
• To increase fruit or flower production

When pruning trees, it’s important to consider the time of year. In general, it’s best to prune trees during their dormant season (late fall to early spring), as this is when they are less likely to experience stress or damage.

When pruning trees, start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These can be cut back to the nearest healthy branch or the trunk. You can also remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as these can cause damage to the tree.

If you’re pruning a young tree, focus on developing a strong central leader (the main trunk of the tree) and removing any branches that are competing with it. As the tree matures, you can start to shape it by selectively removing branches to achieve the desired shape.

Shrubs

Shrubs also require pruning to maintain their health and shape. When pruning shrubs, the goal is usually to remove any dead or diseased branches, promote new growth, and maintain a desirable size and shape.

The best time to prune shrubs depends on their flowering schedule. If a shrub blooms in the spring, it’s best to prune it immediately after it finishes blooming. If it blooms in the summer or fall, prune it during the dormant season (late fall to early spring).

To prune shrubs, start by removing any dead or diseased branches. Then, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, selectively remove branches to shape the shrub as desired.

Roses

Roses are a favorite among gardeners, but they require regular pruning to maintain their health and productivity. There are two main types of roses: hybrid teas and shrub roses.

Hybrid teas require more intensive pruning, as they produce flowers on new growth. Prune them in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead or diseased wood, and then cut back the remaining stems to a height of about 12 inches.

Shrub roses require less pruning, as they produce flowers on old growth. Prune them in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead or diseased wood, and then selectively remove any old or woody branches.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees require pruning to maintain their health and productivity. There are several reasons to prune fruit trees, including:

• To remove dead or diseased wood
• To open up the canopy and allow more light to reach the fruit
• To control the size of the tree
• To promote new fruiting wood

When pruning fruit trees, it’s important to consider the time of year. Prune apple and pear trees during their dormant season (late fall to early spring). Prune peach and nectarine trees during the summer, after they have finished fruiting.

What is root pruning?

Root pruning is a gardening technique that involves selectively cutting and removing roots from a plant to control its growth and promote healthy root development. This is usually done by digging around the perimeter of the plant and cutting back the roots, or by using specialized tools to access and prune the roots. Root pruning can be particularly beneficial for container-grown plants, as it prevents them from becoming root-bound and encourages new root growth. It can also be used to manage the size and shape of plants in the landscape, to repair damaged or diseased roots, and to promote overall plant health. Proper timing and technique are important when root pruning to avoid damaging the plant and to ensure successful growth and recovery.

What is air pruning?

Air pruning is a technique used in gardening and horticulture to promote healthier root growth in plants. The process involves exposing the plant’s roots to air by removing them from the soil or using a special container that allows air to circulate around the roots.

When roots are exposed to air, they naturally prune themselves by drying out and dying off, leading to the growth of new, more vigorous roots. This promotes healthier root development and allows plants to absorb nutrients and water more efficiently.

Air pruning is particularly useful for growing plants in containers or pots, as it helps prevent the roots from becoming root-bound or circling around the container, which can limit their growth and reduce their overall health. By promoting healthier root growth, air pruning can also lead to stronger, healthier plants with greater resistance to disease and environmental stresses.

Start by removing any dead or diseased wood, and then selectively remove branches to open up the canopy and allow more light to reach the fruit. You can also remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as these can cause damage to the tree.