Ventura County UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Jim Downer is an expert on many things, including pruning small trees and shrubs. Today he shares the following with us:
Pruning is considered by some horticulturists to be both a science and an art. The science involved is understanding plant responses to pruning. The art of pruning ensures that when the work is done, the results are visually pleasing or fulfill some predetermined goals. With proper training in the science and art of pruning, the horticulturist can achieve the desired pruning goals while maintaining or increasing plant health and vigor.
Well-pruned landscape shrubs and trees have a natural look—they do not look pruned. Good pruning is essentially invisible. Well-pruned plants are often found in well-designed and maintained landscapes. When pruning cuts run to extremes, or large amounts of foliage are removed, it is wise to question the suitability of the individual plant in its current location. Poorly adapted plants are not likely to have good pruning outcomes. Excessive control of rampant growth, removal of deadwood or diseased limbs will usually result in an ugly plant. Proper design, spacing, planting and installation of landscape plants will accommodate high quality pruning that maintains the natural form and density of the plantings.
To read more, including practical tips when trimming, click here.