2. Pruning Trees Why do we prune trees? For the tree’s health
For flowers, foliage, fruit, and stems
For a pleasing shape and size
For safety

3. Tools Used in Pruning

4. Care of Pruning Tools and Equipment
Provides users with more effective pruning
Extends the life of the tool
Wipe blades after each use
Clean periodically with soap and water
Sanitize or disinfect if tools come in contact with diseased wood
Keep tools sharp
Oil tools often
Know how to properly use the tool
Use extra caution around utility lines

5. Deciduous Trees and Shrubs Pruning Schedule
Have an active growth season in spring and sometimes summer
Drop leaves in autumn
Spring-flowering
Summer-flowering
Shade
Fruit
The best time to prune depends on the plant’s growth and when it flowers

6. Evergreen Trees and Shrubs Pruning Schedule
Evergreens do not shed leaves like deciduous plants
No obvious dormant season
Pruning in winter months reduces sap and resin flow
Broadleaf Evergreens: Prune before new growth in the spring
Narrowleaf Evergreens (conifers):
Needleleaf: Prune only when the tan candle is present
Scale-leaf: Prune before new growth in the spring

7. Tree Structure

8. Pruning Specific Parts of a Tree
Areas for removal:
Dead, diseased, or injured parts
Suckers and limbs that rub together
Branches growing in the center
Parallel branches
Drooping branches

9. Pruning Cuts Three basic cuts for pruning trees: Drop-crotch Thinning
Heading

10. Transplanting Stock Ball-and-burlap Bare-root Container
Rooted cuttings
Seedlings
In Oklahoma, trees are commonly planted during their dormant stage:
Early December to March

11. Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
Planting Preparations
Prepare the soil
Choose transplanted stock carefully
Plant trees and shrubs at correct depth
Care of transplanted Trees and Shrubs
Water plants regularly
Supplement with fertilizer if needed
Prune young trees

12. Mulching The spreading of mulch over the soil
Recommended when planting outdoors to reduce maintenance and promote healthy plant growth
Conserves moisture by reducing evaporation
Reduces compacting of a soil
Helps soil maintain a constant temperature
Can be either organic or inorganic