– New Mexico’s Premier Landscaping Company since 1981 !
TO PRUNE OR NOT TO PRUNE, THAT IS THE QUESTION…
Most shrubs and trees do not have to be pruned, but they can benefit from pruning to improve their shape and structure. Keep in mind that pruning isn’t bad for trees; rather, it can boost their health and longevity. A hair cut also makes them look better. Here are the benefits of pruning:
→ Plant health is the primary reason for pruning. Look for the four “Ds”- dead, dying, diseased, or damaged branches- these should be removed. Also, look for spindly or weak growth, as well as any branches that are crossed or rubbing.
→ Safety is another important issue. Low hanging branches can be eye-pokers and get in the way when you are trying to work or play around a shade tree. Pruning these branches is called “limbing up”. Not only does it encourage top growth, it also makes room for you to safely enjoy the area under the tree. If your trees have any weak, dangling branches that could break off unexpectedly, they pose a danger to people, cars, buildings, and valuable plants underneath. If these branches are high up in the tree, very large, or near power lines, call WaterQuest (#505-792-3600) and save yourself an accident and/or injury.
→ Pruning can make plants hardier and help them over the winter too.
→ Often a plant needs pruning to control its size. Overgrown shrubs can be brought back to scale, large shade trees can be reduced enough to cast less of a shadow, and fruit trees can be kept to a reasonable size, making care and harvesting easier. Hedges can be maintained at the desired size and shape. Water sprouts (small, spindly branches) that grow straight up from the limbs of a fruit tree will not bear fruit and should be clipped off as they develop.
→ For some plants, pruning encourages flowers and makes room for new growth. Of course, the time of bloom is critical to know WHEN to prune. In general, the best time to prune a flowering tree, shrub or vine is after it finishes blooming so you don’t cut off its flowers for the season!
Not sure when to prune? In general, the correct time to prune depends on when the plant blooms. Prune spring-flowering shrubs right after they bloom in spring- do not prune in the fall or winter. These include forsythia, lilac, azalea, rhododendron, dogwood, flowering cherry, peach, plum, pear, crabapple, etc. Prune summer-flowering woody plants while dormant in late winter or early spring to encourage lots of new growth and flowers for the coming season. These include roses, crepe myrtle, Rose of Sharon, hibiscus, poplar, spruce and junipers.
Not sure what needs to be pruned, how much to prune, what angle to cut, etc? Call WaterQuest (#505-792-3600) and we’ll send out an experienced pruner.