Please Don't Hack that Tree

Hedge trimmers in hand, Dee Dee gave us a lesson on how to prune correctly.  She said that, "Pruning is the selective removal of vegetative growth, typically shoots and branches."  Reasons to prune are: 1) Remove dead or diseased wood; 2) Maintain or improve plant vigor; 3) Control plant size and form; 4) Train young plants; 5) Influence flower and plant production; 6) Safety; 7) Rejuvenate old shrubs.  Dee Dee said that you should never remove more than 1/3 of the canopy.  Trees with their slower growth are particularly susceptible to improper pruning and can take many years to recover.  Here is a link to a US Forestry Service site that explains tree pruning:  How to Prune Trees

Crepe Myrtles, small ornamental trees that grow well in our area frequently suffer from bad pruning.  If you love them as I do, please visit this site to learn how to prune them properly. How to Prune Crepe Myrtles  If you have committed Crepe Myrtle Murder by topping your tree as shown on the site, your trees can recover.  It takes about three years, so you will have to be patient. The reward is a beautifully shaped tree that flowers abundantly.

Next Dee Dee turned our attention to pruning shrubs.  Hedges should be pruned in a gumdrop shape with the bottom slightly wider than the top.  If this is not done the interior branches will thin out and you will have a shell hedge which is very vulnerable to stess of any kind.  Dee Dee handed out pruning shears so that we could try our hand at correct pruning. 

In the photo on the right, we are watching Tim prune a climbing rose that has grown over the walkway.  In the back right is a Crepe Myrtle that has been hat-racked.  We were cautioned to keep our cutting tools sharp so that we didn't shred the cuts.  Hand shears are used for branches up to 1/4 inch, loppers for branches up to 1/2 inch and saws should be used for anything larger.

Palm pruning was the next subject of discussion.  Proper pruning of palms will keep them beautiful and healthy and safer from hurricane damage.  Contrary to popular belief the "Hurricane Cut" does not make your Palm safer. It only makes it unsightly.  Here is link to good UF/IFAS site on palm pruning.  One of links is broken, but the same link is lower on the page and works.  Here you go: Pruning Palms