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Landscape Specialists


PRUNING TIPS

Pruning is mainly done for size control and to thin out 
excessive branches.  Thinning promotes the health of
the plant by allowing air and light into the interior.
Pruning for security purposes and view can also often
be accomplished by thinning. 

Most pruning can be done using the same basic
technique.  Follow the order recommended below:

1.  Remove dead and crossing branches
2.  Thin excessive interior canes or branches
3.  Remove multiple leaders
4.  Thin top to lower height, if nescessary
5.  Remove branches which detract from symmetry 
    or visual balance
6.  Head back any remaining branches which greatly
    protrude beyond general outline 

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HEDGES

1.  Carefully mark or measure to the desired height 
2.  The top of the hedge should be perfectly uniform. 

3.  The sides of the hedge should slope slightly 
    inward toward the top.
         
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        /   \   (picture is exaggerated)
       /__ __\
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4. Clip the bottom in a straight line about 6" off
   the ground.

5. Bevel the edges slightly to sharpen the outline.

   Notes:

   A couple of passes may be needed to get it right.

   Branches too thick to shear should be thinned out
   before shearing. 

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COMMONLY MADE PRUNING ERRORS 

  Destroying privacy afforded by shrub, tree, or hedge

  Removing branches which leave large gaps or holes

  Topping tree's

  Heading back branches excessively 

  Using lopper or clipper on branches too big for them

  Using defective equipment resulting in poor cuts

  Inconsistant technique resulting in half-done look

  Improper pruning cuts

  Routinely limbing up the lower branches and failing to 
     really prune the plant.