Does the shrub or tree need pruning?
“The branching structure may be insufficient for the size of the tree,” Pennington says. “That’s when corrective pruning comes into play. Proper pruning can increase the life span of a plant.” Pruning is an art, she says, adding that the Johnson Nursery Web site offers tips in its online pruning guide at www.johnsonnursery.com. “There are some basic rules about pruning,” she says. “First, for best results, prune a plant when it is dormant, after the leaves have fallen or before buds appear. “Second, don’t prune more than one-third of the plant. Any more and it becomes too stressed. Third, with rejuvenative pruning, the point is to get off the old growth.” When pruning, don’t just cut off the tops of the plants. “It is a much better idea to thin out some of the stems so you don’t ruin the natural form of the plant,” Flood says. Another type of pruning is called renewal pruning, when you cut it way back to about 6 inches. “This only works with some plants and is a more drastic step,” Pen
“The branching structure may be insufficient for the size of the tree,” Pennington says. “That’s when corrective pruning comes into play. Proper pruning can increase the life span of a plant.” Pruning is an art, she says, adding that the Johnson Nursery Web site offers tips in its online pruning guide at www.johnsonnursery.com. “There are some basic rules about pruning,” she says. “First, for best results, prune a plant when it is dormant, after the leaves have fallen or before buds appear. “Second, don’t prune more than one-third of the plant. Any more and it becomes too stressed. Third, with rejuvenative pruning, the point is to get off the old growth.” When pruning, don’t just cut off the tops of the plants. “It is a much better idea to thin out some of the stems so you don’t ruin the natural form of the plant,” Flood says. Another type of pruning is called renewal pruning, when you cut it way back to about 6 inches. “This only works with some plants and is a more drastic step,” Pen
