Pruning is not only a science but an art. After pruning it should appear that the shrub and trees always looked that way, without any external intervention. A bad hand at pruning could give it a look like a bad day at the barber's. Proper pruning can enhance the look of the tree or shrub while improper pruning can ruin its growing potential.

Pruning shrubs can be done at any time of the year, but some thumb rules can be followed. Pruning deciduous trees and shrubs in the winter will enhance their growth in the spring. Conversely if they are pruned in summer, it grows slowly the following spring. Winter pruning is advised for young deciduous trees and shrubs, and fruit trees to help them grow more robustly. Summer pruning is recommended for mature deciduous trees and shrubs to slow down their growth and ageing. However, for most shrubs the time and rate of pruning is learnt primarily through trial and error.

So why do we prune our shrubs? Very often, they take up more space than what is provided, and may encroach onto pathways or get in the way of growth of another plant next to it. These circumstances will call for some intelligent pruning. We also need to prune to remove dead wood and bark and also to promote flowering and fruiting. Dead wood needs to be removed as this forms a gateway for plant pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. Care needs to be taken that no live portion is damaged and so it is better to leave half an inch of dead wood intact.

We also need to watch out for undesirable conditions such as 'included bark' and 'crossed branches'. Included branches occur when two branches grow so close that they join eventually. This area then dies weakening the branch. The crossed branch condition also needs to be rectified and the branch which is damaged more is removed. Removal of crowded and weak stems helps the plant to grow healthier.

Intelligent pruning calls for minimum amount of cuts. Hence, a definite plan needs to be followed. First all the dead, broken and diseased branches need to be removed. Often only this is enough and no more pruning is required.

The next step is to make training cuts. There are two basic types of pruning cuts: heading cuts, and thinning cuts. Heading cuts stimulate growth of buds closest to the wound. The direction in which the bud is facing determines the direction of new growth. Thinning cuts remove entire buds, twigs or braches at their point of attachment. Heading cuts are used when the plant needs shearing or topping. But this may severely affect the structure and appearance of the plant. Thinning cuts are preferred to give the tree or shrub a natural pruning effect.

Natural pruning or pruning to maintain the natural shape of a shrub or tree demands that you understand the size, form and shape of the mature plant. Natural pruning also maximizes flowering and fruits. Shearing, on the other hand will remove the flowering and fruiting buds totally and result in a green vegetative stage of growth.

Pruning tools are important while cutting and they need to be kept absolutely sharp. The right sizes of tools also need to be considered. There are several types of pruning shears available. One needs to oil and clean them regularly, so that plants do not get infected.

If you like artciles about trees & shrubs....These pages might also interest you:

Guide to Conifers & Evergreens, How to Prune Shrubs, Gardening With Viburnum, Gingko Trees, Growing Magnolias, Japanese Barbury, Katsura Trees,Shrubs as Garden Borders,The Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough Trees, Great Birch Trees, Growing Citrus Trees, How to Prune Shrubs,How to Start Seedlings, Lustrous Abelia, Popular Shrubs, Shrub Winter Care Guide, Shrubs With Berries, Summer Hydrangeas