Read on to learn how to prune properly and effectively.
However, avoid pruning too late in the growing season.
Doing so will encourage tender new growth that will die in winter weather.
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Prune fruiting plants in the late winter orearly springto spur a hearty crop.
Most fruit trees andberry plantsneed to be pruned while they are dormant.
Furthermore, mostperennial plantsneed to becut backentirely either before or after the growing season.
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And they require regular pruning anddeadheadingall season long.
Take note of any branches that have grown over two feet.
They will be unlikely to bear fruit again.
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Branches growing downward should be the first to go.
Each cut will increase the number of lateral branches.
check that to wear protective clothing whenpruning berries, as the thorns can be painful.
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However, paying attention to when your plant blooms and pruning soon after will yield the showiest floral display.
Note Plant Bloom Time
During the first growing season, note when your plant blooms.
This will inform your pruning schedule for the future.
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Remove the Suckers
Get rid of the suckers at the base of the plant.
These are unlikely to produce hearty blooms.
Shape the Plant
Using your shears, make heading cuts to shape the plant.
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Cut just beyond a healthy bud, and angle the cut at 45 degrees.
How to Prune Perennials
Pruning non-woody perennials is pretty straightforward.
Perennial plants you’ve dug up can be replanted or gifted to other gardeners.
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Trim Growth Regularly
Trim vigorous, non-blooming growth with shears throughout the season.
Pruning Evergreens
Many gardeners leave theirevergreen treesalone, which is probably a good idea.
Evergreen trees dont really need to be pruned, and doing so can stress or distort the tree.
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For this reason, choose adwarf evergreenif you have limited space.
You should also removed dead or diseased branches.
This requires mindful, minimal trimming during the height of the growing season.
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Unlike other fruit trees,peach treesshould not be pruned while dormant.
This delicate tree can suffer dieback when pruned in the winter.
Pruning a peach tree during dormancy can also result in a less cold-hardy tree moving forward.
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The popularity ofhydrangea plantshas spurred many different varieties, some that bloom on both old and new wood.
For this reason, traditional pruning techniques have become outdated for certain types.
So be sure to check the recommendations for your variety.
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How and when to prune perennial plants is something you learn as you acquire gardening experience.
When you’re totally unsure how to far to prune, 1/3 is a solid estimate.
Yes, if you prune too far, the plant may struggle or even perish.
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Yes, many trees and plants can be propagated via cuttings.
Typically, you either plant these cuttings in soil or root them in water first.
Pruning Ornamental Plants in Landscape.
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University of Georgia Extension.
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The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
