A general rule of thumb to sustain your flowering trees or shrubs is to prune them correctly and at the right time. By doing so, it will let them have more time to produce next season’s flower buds. If you’re new to tree and shrubs pruning, you’ve come to the right page. Here’s a quick seasonal guide for you!
When to Prune Plants
The best time to prune your plants is after flowering. As mentioned, when you do this, you give your plants the right amount of time to produce flower buds for the next season. While you’re at it, remove dead growth and rubbing branches because they can make your plants susceptible to infection.
If you noticed malformed shoots, prune them. Not because they can have detrimental effects, but they don’t look good.
Additionally, taking the time for regular trimming can prevent plants from invading pathways or block line of sights.
For tropical plants, it’s best to prune at the start of the summer for the plants to respond quickly. By doing so, it will help them be more susceptible to cold damage.
Hedges also need maintenance for them to look lush and healthy. With that, they need formative pruning and general maintenance trimming. Formative pruning of hedges is conducted for the first 2-3 years after they have been planted. This pruning method is performed in winter or early spring to stimulate growth.
Moreover, pruning hedges can help prevent dead or dying branches from nearby plants. It will allow the hedges’ flowers or fruits to blossom.
Do All Plants Require Pruning?
Pruning is more like a personal choice. Individuals who prune want to achieve a particular garden style. Therefore, plant pruning isn’t a requirement; instead, it’s more for aesthetic purposes.
Despite pruning being more for aesthetics, some plants may not be able to live very long if they’re not pruned. Some will not grow enough flowers or fruits. Moreover, unpruned trees and shrubs turn into something unsightly.
How to Prune Above a Plant Node
The area above the plant node is where the stalk of each leaf joins the stem. Some plants feature a dormant bud hidden on the stem that you can find at each leaf stalk base. Pruning the stem just above these nodes will allow for new growth.
What Is Tip-Pruning?
In the world of the tree and shrub pruning, you’ve probably come across tip-pruning. It is also known as pinch-pruning that involves removing the end of each shoot during the growing season using a finger and thumb.
This type of pruning method is known to encourage more shoot growth from every cut point. In turn, it will lead to an even, bushy plant and more flowers.
Tip-pruning also means giving a plant a light clip to help it get back to shape after flowering.
When tip-pruning, use shears or hedge trimmers if you work on larger plants.
Conclusion
Pruning trees and shrubs may be more for aesthetic purposes, but they can also help prevent nearby plants’ harm. With that, you get to protect your other plants as well with proper pruning.
Northside Tree and Garden Services is the best landscapers in Sydney. We can help maintain your trees and shrubs to make them look good all-year-long. Contact us today!
