Prune to shape your plant

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CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning is a fantastic way to shape your shrubs, trees and plants according to your preferences. While this type of pruning may not be essential for the plant's well-being, it's necessary if you want to control their size and appearance.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Get the right tools: Equip yourself with sharp and clean hand pruners, loppers, or pruning saws, depending on the branch size. Sharp tools make cleaner cuts and promote faster healing.

• Take a step back: Stand back and assess your plant's shape before you start pruning. Identify branches that disrupt the desired form and size, and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches first.

• Go slow and steady: Rather than pruning too much at once, take it gradually. Trim a little bit at a time and don't prune too much during one session. This approach minimizes stress and avoids over-pruning.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIME

The best times to prune vary depending on the plant species and the specific goals of pruning. Here's a brief guide on when to prune different plants:

• After flowering: Prune immediately after flowering for shrubs that bloom on old wood, like lilacs and rhododendrons.

• Early spring: Prune before new growth appears for most deciduous plants and fruit trees.

• Early summer: Lightly trim or shape plants that have finished flowering, being careful not to remove too much foliage.

• Late summer: Lightly trim or shape plants that have finished flowering during late summer, but be cautious not to stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.

• Winter: Late winter, during dormancy, is ideal for shaping deciduous trees and shrubs.