The Principles Of Pruning

The Principles Of Pruning Related Information:

Pruning is an essential part of any keen gardener’s schedule, and can make all the difference to the way your plants grow and the way your garden looks. You should never underestimate the power of pruning, and you can improve the quality of your plants by doing this in the right way and at the right times. Below, you will find some of the basic principles of the pruning process.

 

• When pruning plants, you should aim to cut the stems by about a third. Cutting them too short will stop the plants from being able to take in the necessary nourishment from the soil, and will quickly lead to damage.

• You should aim to prune little and often, as this will enable you to keep your plants in a healthy condition and ensure that they are always able to take in the nourishment they need from the soil.

• If you notice dead branches, plants and wood remove them straight away to prevent decay and disease to other plants.

• Make sure that your pruning tools are sharp and in good condition otherwise you could inadvertently damage the healthy parts of your plants.

• If you have plants that seem a little on the unhealthy side or if you have mature plants, pruning could help to bring them back to health and give them a new lease of life.

• If you are re-locating plants, take the opportunity to prune if necessary as they can then reap the enrichment from the new soil in which they are planted.

• You should prune shrubs once yearly. If you don’t do this, the dead wood can hinder the flowering and the shrub may become excessive in size.

• Make sure that you have the essential tools for pruning, including: secateurs, loppers and a pruning saw. Also, ensure that your tools are sharp and kept in good condition for optimum pruning performance.

Effective pruning will help to control the height and width of your plants, as well as improve their quality. This task can be time consuming but can also make a big difference to the overall look of your garden.