1. Techniques of Pruning
Unit 33

2. Objectives
To select proper pruning techniques for specific plants and demonstrate their use in the landscape
List 5 reasons for pruning
Describe 4 types of pruning
Demonstrate pruning a stem at the proper angle
Explain how the correct time to prune is determined

3. Why are Plants Pruned
To remove dead, diseased, insect-infested, or broken branches
Keeps the plant healthy
To change the size or proportion of the plant
To keep them from becoming overgrown
Also helps to consider the mature height and growth rate before placing the plant
To develop a special form or shape
Topiary – practice used in formal gardens – plant material is trimmed into shapes (Edward Scissorhands)
Palier – method of training plant materials to grow flat against a trellis or wall

4. To remove wilted or dead flowers and seed pods
To rejuvenate a declining shrub
After pruning a plant usually produces better quality flowers and develops a better form

5. Equipment for Pruning
Tools must be kept clean and sharp to give a good clean cut
Lab Exercise 7-15; 7-16

6. Types of Pruning
Thinning – removing certain branches from a plant to open up the plant
Allows more light to reach the inner branches
Heading back – removal of the end section of the plant branches at the same height
Causes new shoots to develop to make the plant thicker
Renewal Pruning – old branches that are large and unproductive are removed
Results in development of new branches and better flowering
Root Pruning – involves cutting off all the lateral roots of the plant in a circle around the stem
Root prune 1 season prior to transplanting

7. How and When to Prune Cut the plant stem at a 90 degree angle
When to prune depends on when the plant flowers or bears fruit
Flowers in spring = summer pruning
Shrubs pruned after they flower
Flower in summer or fall = pruned before growth begins in the spring

8. Objectives
To select proper pruning techniques for specific plants and demonstrate their use in the landscape
List 5 reasons for pruning
Describe 4 types of pruning
Demonstrate pruning a stem at the proper angle
Explain how the correct time to prune is determined