Growing Trees And Shrubs In Containers
This is an Excerpt from the Book called “Trees Shrubs & Hedges For Your Home “. Continue reading to learn more about Growing Trees And Shrubs In Containers, thanks to the author.
Landscaping With Trees, Shrubs, And Hedges
When To Prune
Pruning stimulates growth in woody plants-just as deadheading and pinching back stimulate flower and foliage production in herbaceous plants. This basic principle, combined with the blooming period of flowering plants, governs the pruning timetables below.
In general, drastic hard pruning shortly before the growing season promotes the most growth; light pruning or late-season promotes the most growth; light pruning or late-season pruning encourages less vigorous growth. Avoid pruning after midsummer before the onset of democracy; pruning at that time can damage a plant by causing a spurt of tender new growth that may not have time to harden enough to withstand winter’s cold.
EVERGREENS
In spring, prune
- Winter and snow damage before active growth begins.
- Pines, firs, spruces, and other conifers to encourage dense branching and improve shape by shearing the light green new growth in early spring. Cut off the tips or half the new growth of pine shoots, or candles.
- To slow or dwarf the development of coniferous evergreens, prune new growth ones or twice more at intervals of a week. This will also help avoid unsightly cuts.
- Plants that bloom on new wood (many of which flower in summer). To encourage flowering, prune old wood in late winter or early spring before growth begins.
- To remove overgrown broad-leaved shrubs, prune no more than one-third of the total green foliage in one season.
In summer, prune
- Plants that bloom on old wood (many of which bloom in spring); prune just after the flowers have faded, and then let the plants grow new branches and flower buds that will bloom the following season.
- To shape or slow the growth of board-leaved evergreens. Prune in early summer, after flowering. Prune hollies in m id-to late summer.
In fall and winter, prune
- Coniferous evergreens, when removing branches to correct shape or thin congested growth.
- Lightly for holiday greens. (This won’t harm the plants).
Any time, prune
- Dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Lightly, for decorative greens and flowers.
DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS
In spring, prune
- Plants that bloom on new wood (many of which flower in summer). Prune before new growth begins, in late winter or early spring, to promote flowering.
In summer, prune
- Plants that bloom on old wood (many of which flower in spring). Prune immediately after the blooms fade to avoid cutting off newly formed flower buds and to stimulate growth of more buds for next year’s bloom.
- Young foliage plants (in early summer) to encourage dense branching. Cut back by half the succulent stems that are beginning to grow lateral shoots.
- To slow or dwarf growth in summer after the seasonal growth is complete.
- To control height when plants have reached the desired size, after the new growth has fully developed. (Extend the cuts back a bit into old wood.)
- Trees that bleed, such as maples and birches.
In fall and winter, prune
- Trees when dormant, to shape and train.
- To renovate overgrown shrubs, when dormant.
Any time, prune
- Dead, diseased, or damaged wood. (Prune dead wood before leaves fall; otherwise you may have a hard time distinguishing it from dormant wood.)
- Lightly, for indoor use as decorative greens, flowers, and winter branches.