Winter is usually a dull and sometimes boring season of the year. Most of us do manage to get a few things accomplished indoors but seem to leave our our-of-doors unattended. There is actually not a better chance to make use of this nonproductive time than with a little Winter dormant pruning. With the foliage off of deciduous plants, pruning becomes a quicker and easier process. At no other time of the year is it easy to see those problem branches that may be rubbing, crossing or growing inward. Branches that are infringing upon a structure or neighboring tree or shrub should be judiciously pruned as not to adversely affect the plant. Sometimes, however, removal of a troublesome tree or shrub may be the only solution to one that had been planted improperly as to not allow adequate room for growth. Your goal in pruning, as always, should be to maintain the natural habit of the plant unless you are maintaining a formal hedge or artistic topiary. Please don't make your valuable shrubs into those green outdoor boxes. Nothing detracts more from the monetary or aesthetic value of your landscape than improper pruning. If you are unsure as to proper pruning techniques, there are several books available or garden clubs you could join. Also, you can call the professionals at Buck & Sons to make your landscape healthier and pristine.
Certain trees and shrubs should not be pruned in the Winter months. Trees such as Maple and Birch sap excessively when pruned during the time from late December through early June. Any other time of the year would be appropriate timing for pruning these tree 'bleeders'. Spring flowering shrubs such as Lilac, Forsythia, Rhododendron, Azalea and Viburnum set buds in the preceding growing season for flowers. Your much anticipated blooming plants could easily be ruined for another year if you prune off all of the flower buds. A good rule of thumb is to prune any Spring flowering shrub shortly after it has finished blooming. In central Ohio, we try not to prune any Spring flowering shrubs no later than the end of June. This timing may vary for your region of the country as well as any seasonal or climactic changes during the growing season.
To apply wound dressing or not to apply wound dressing? This perennial topic of sometimes heated discussion among arborists, nursery growers, landscapers, gardeners and anyone in between, has continued for years. The current "Green Industry" standard today is not to apply wound dressing. University and industry studies have indicated that wound dressings can actually hinder the healing process after a pruning wound is sealed with a common dressing. It seems that the outer, active growth ring, also known as the vascular cambium layer becomes obstructed making the healing process more difficult for your tree or shrub. If you absolutely do feel you need to apply a wound dressing, try to apply inside of this outer growth ring. For the most part however, you efforts are simply cosmetic in nature and it may best to use your money for a new tree, shrub or perennial.
So...pick out a nice, pleasant Winter day and grab your sharpened and cleaned pruning tools. Proper pruning techniques will add beauty and longevity to your plants. Your plants will increase in their beauty, functionality and value to your property. You can always call the Buck & Sons staff to help you maintain the value of your outdoor investments.
