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.