Pruning Trees, Shrubs and Vines
Knowing the best time to prune trees, shrubs and vines results in healthier, better performing plants. Learning the right techniques for making cuts prevents problems after pruning.
If lilacs are left to grow and spread on their own, without maintenance pruning, you will get shrubs reaching 15 - 20' in height and all the blooms will be way above your head. Lilac plants that have a balance of new shoots and older stems, will bloom best. Older lilacs can have stems as thick as small trees and will flower only on the top most branches. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to rejuvenate an old lilac, in about 3 years time. How to Prune Lilacs...
Pruning plants intimidates gardeners. It shouldn't. Pruning is one of the best things you can do for the plants in your garden and landscape. Becoming proficient at pruning plants just takes experience and the right tools. The basic 4 tools described here will take care of pretty much all your home garden pruning tasks.
Clematis are one of the most popular groups of garden perennials. Pruning clematis tends to instill fear in the stoutest of gardeners. This fear is unwarranted, since pruning clematis simply breaks down to a question of when your clematis blooms.
Evergreens such as fir, pine and spruce trees require little pruning, unless you want to control their size or improve their fullness. Cutting the candles back halfway, before the needles unfold, will keep the tree more compact.
When you can’t wait to get started in the spring garden, a good task to undertake is pruning. Most trees and shrubs benefit from annual pruning. But not all trees and shrubs should be pruned early, especially some of the flowering ones.
Different types of hydrangeas need pruning at different times. You will have to know what type your plant is. Hopefully you saved the label. If not, an educated guess can be made by looking at it’s foliage and flowers.
Pruning rose bushes is intimidating to many gardeners, but actually very good for the plants. Becoming an accomplished rose pruner takes time and practice, but keep in mind that it is very hard to kill a rose with bad pruning.
