Small Tree and Shrub pruning 


Why is pruning important?  Pruning stimulates growth and that growth should be managed so that strong, healthy branches are growing in the desired direction.  Weak and misdirected branches must be removed, with additional pruning done to enhance the natural shape of the plant. Removing weak branches and making the tree more open will help prevent damage from heavy winds, ice and snow.    

Do not “top and shape”.  The most natural looking trees are trimmed from trimming the inside branches.  The best time to prune is when active growth is not occurring – late fall or early spring.  

What are the basic steps of pruning?  

The first step seems obvious, but must be mentioned:  walk around the tree to get a sense of the basic shape and to determine the problem areas.  Plan the biggest cuts first.   Any branch greater than 3 inches should be removed 1/3 at a time; this will prevent the branch from tearing under its own weight.  If only part of the branch is being removed, prune back to a lateral branch to promote branching.  When removing the entire branch, cut the branch down to the branch collar which will grow over the cut.  Be sure to cut at an angle to allow rain to run off the cut.  The branch collar is the point where the branch emerged from the tree and appears as a thick, wrinkled, ring of bark. 

Next, look for branches that are growing toward the trunk and any branches that are causing damage by rubbing against other branches.  Be sure to clip water sprouts (they are easily identified as those branches that appear to shoot straight into the air) and suckers at the base.  Both of these types of branches detract from the beauty of the tree and sap energy needed for growth.

If this seems a little overwhelming or you just don’t have the time, our landscape team can help with the pruning of small ornamental trees and shrubs (generally up to about 14 feet).   Call us today at 412. 837.2334 to discuss the best plan of attack.