How to Shape Ornamental Trees
Ornamental trees can be beautiful additions to your landscape, but they will need to be maintained to preserve the aesthetics you hold for your garden. Some trees can be shaped easily and take pruning well, like the varieties of cypress that can even be pruned as rigidly as bonsai. Others are a little more delicate, like flowering cherry and plum trees that should be pruned only after flowering. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ornamental tree
- Pruners, shears or loppers, depending on the size of the growth to be pruned
- Gloves
- Ladder, as needed
- Bucket
- Bleach
- Water
Instructions
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1
Assess whether it's appropriate to prune a tree. Is it the right time of year to prune this type of tree? Can your tree take the pruning (based on its maturity and overall health)? What shape are you aiming for? Answering these questions will make the job flow smoother and prevent mishaps as you work. If you aren't sure, contact your local cooperative extension service (which provides free advice to home gardeners) or consult an on-line or print reference about your specific tree.
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Prepare your equipment. What tools do you need? Get your ladder ready, if you need one. Choose your pruning gear.
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3
Mix a very weak bleach and water solution in your bucket, about one part bleach to ten parts water. Use this solution to disinfect the blades of your pruning tools before you start cutting and between cuts.
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4
Assess your tree. Note where there is dead growth that needs to be removed, as well as excessive growth where branches compete with each other for sun and air circulation. No matter what shape you intend to impose upon your tree, the branches will need to be properly exposed to air and sun. Also, have an idea of how you want your tree to look before you begin. Do you want a tree with a clear, open structure, or a rounded canopy? It can be helpful to enlist another person to look at the tree as you prune to note which cuts will help to achieve the goal.
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5
Start pruning. Remove dead branches, pinch back growth as needed. You can remove entire branches if you are thinning the tree or there are branches growing too close to the ground. Branches that are growing at narrow angles to the central leader, or trunk, are good candidates for removal as they will eventually reduce airflow and impede sunlight to other branches.
You can head branches if you want to keep the main branches but discourage growth at the crown. In either case, don't leave stubs that are too long or they will just die and look unsightly. Conversely, don't cut too close to the main branch or trunk or bud. Pause every so often to examine your work.
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Tips & Warnings
A consultation with a certified arborist is helpful, especially when in doubt, as the wrong pruning can kill a tree. Professional services are recommended, if you are still unclear or don't have the tools.
Avoid highly artificial shapes, unless your tree can handle topiary or bonsai shaping. Artificial shapes are more work to maintain than ones that follow the tree's natural growth.
Wear gloves and other protective gear as needed to protect yourself from blades, branches and thorns.
Use the right pruning gear for the job, and keep your blades sharp.
Exercise caution when using a ladder. Place it on stable, dry ground and do not climb higher than is considered safe.
