![]() Shearing controls the shape and size of all types of shrubs. Thin in early spring before new growth begins by removing older or weaker branches back to a lateral branch or completely to the ground. Thinning is used on broadleaf, deciduous landscape plants to encourage flowering and strong growth. You usually use this method of pruning in early spring after new growth has occurred. Light tip-pruning removes only a few inches of stem tips. Tip-pruning encourages a thick, well-shaped plant. You would normally do this before new growth begins in the spring.Įxamples of espalier pruning Pruning Methods Deciduous plants also may be pruned by rejuvenation and thinning. Light to moderate tip-pruning encourages thick new growth, resulting in bushy plants. Deciduous shrubs may need pruning to control their size and shape. Some common deciduous shrubs and trees used in Mississippi landscapes include forsythia, spiraea, weigela, lilac, rose, crape myrtle, quince, honeysuckle, hydrangea, oak, maple, and poplar. Deciduous plants may be shrubs, trees, or vines. Like the broadleaf evergreens, deciduous plants can be severely pruned without fear of killing them. But removing the tip of the candle before it matures can stimulate buds into growth.ĭeciduous landscape plants shed their leaves in the fall. Once the “candle” has matured, buds on it usually won’t develop and grow. Prune conifers, such as pines, by removing a portion of the “candle” or candle-like new growth on the tips of pines in early spring. To avoid the “dead zone,” never remove more than one-third of the foliage of a narrowleaf evergreen. Drastic pruning of narrowleaf evergreen plants can kill them. If you remove all the scales or needles with a pruning cut, no new growth will occur on the remaining limb. Narrowleaf evergreens often are thought of as having a “dead zone” on the older parts of the branches. Narrowleaf evergreens do not have latent buds, so you can't prune them as severely as broadleaf evergreens. Narrowleaf evergreen shrubs need occasional foliage shearing in early spring to control size. ![]() Examples are junipers, arborvitae, pine, cedar, and spruce. Narrowleaf evergreens have tiny, scale-like or needle-like leaves. Before pruning | after pruning | new growth following severe pruning Prune this way in early spring, before new growth begins. They can be pruned severely (cut to 6 to 12 inches from the ground) with satisfactory results. You can tip-prune to encourage a thick, well-shaped plant, but after many years, some dwarf shrubs may need rejuvenating. Dwarf plants normally have a compact, dense growth habit and do not need much pruning to control size or shape. Some broadleaf evergreens may be dwarf plants. If these specialized cells (latent buds) are present, you can prune the plant drastically and not worry about killing it. A latent bud remains dormant until stimulated into growth. Examples of broadleaf evergreen plants are hollies, ligustrum (privet), photinia (red tip), elaeagnus, euonymus, cleyera, azaleas, pyracantha, nandina, gardenia, pittosporum, sweet olive, boxwood, camellia, aucuba, mahonia, fatsia, and southern magnolia.Īlong the limbs, branches, and trunks of broadleaf evergreen plants are specialized cells (latent buds) that can become growing buds. That's why we call these plants evergreen.īroadleaf evergreen plants are the most popular landscape plants used in the South. The shedding of old leaves and the growth of new ones on evergreen plants are timed so the plant is rarely, if ever, without leaves. Know your plant type before you begin pruning. Each type has specific responses to pruning. Most woody landscape plants can be put in one of these categories: broadleaf evergreens, narrowleaf evergreens, or deciduous plants. To remove plant parts that may interfere with structures or utility lines or that may create a visibility problem.To direct or train trees to grow in a particular form to eliminate problems.To develop a specific plant form, such as a hedge or an espalier, as in formal landscape designs.To stimulate flowering and/or fruit production of old plants.To remove diseased, insect-infested, dead, or abnormal plant tissue.To remove undesirable growth that distracts from the balance or symmetry of the plant.To keep or limit the size and shape of a plant so it won’t overpower the landscape. ![]() Review the following considerations before starting to prune your landscape plants. Before trying to prune your landscape shrubs and trees, consider the basic principles of pruning. ![]() Pruning is one of the least understood practices of landscape maintenance.
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