How to Prune

No matter what tree, bush or shrub you wish to prune, there are a few simple rules

You've planted that beautiful shrub or tree in your yard a couple of years ago, but now it has gotten seriously overgrown...

How in the world do you get that overgrown tree looking it's best so that it enhances the look of your yard?

Pruning not only enhances the beauty of any bush, shrub or tree it increases the plants vitality making it stronger. But if you do not know what you are doing, you can have a real mess on your hands.

It is not all that difficult once you have the tools, let me show you how.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• pruning saw or hand saw
• latex paint

Instructions

1. 

   Contrary to popular myth, you can prune any time of the year. However pruning is best done during the plants dormant period to prevent it from bleeding too much at the cuts.

   If the tree bleeds too much, it saps the trees vitality, so you should try to prune to keep bleeding at a minimum.

   This is where the latex paint will come in later in this article.

2. 

   Visualize the tree, really take a good look at it and consider how you want it to look when you are finished.

   If you can draw an outline of how you want your finished tree to look. I am not talking detailed drawing here, just a general shape you want the tree to look like.

3. 

   Now you will remove any root suckers, weak appearing branches and branches that cross over into the middle of the plant you wish to prune.
   You will also remove any double branches, those that are a narrow angle to the plant and root suckers.

4. 

   Large branches need to be cut 3 times for save removal from the tree.
   See diagram below for how this should be done.

   Once the branch is removed you will apply a thick layer of latex paint to seal the wound. Color is unimportant but you usually see white as it reflects heat. The main point it to cover the wound to prevent excessive bleeding which will weaken the tree making it susceptible to diseases

5. 

   If your tree or bush is severely overgrown you will have to do your pruning in stages. Do the outer growth now, then wait till the tree goes dormant and do a little more. For severely overgrown and snarled looking trees you may need to take 3 years to get the job done correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Dwarf trees may be pruned to restrict their eventual height as well, simply remove any growth that is close to the maximum height you wish it to grow to.

• Don't forget to put those pruning trims into your compost bin or pile.

• Leaves and small stems can go into your worm farm

• Do not leave thicker branches exposed to the air, these must be painted to prevent excessive bleeding.

Resources

• Worm Farming ~ a beginners guide to starting a worm farm
• Investing in Realestate Information
• Owning Realestate
• Living Green
• Build Your Own Greenhouse