Backyard Oasis

Fall is the best time to prune many shrubs and trees. Primary growth is done for the year and the plants will be going into a resting time so the pruning actually helps them.

With any pruning its best to read about the shrub or tree in questions and prune accordingly.

There are many people who do not feel they should prune plants. That it hurts them. But pruning to keep a nice shape and remove damaged, diseased or a branch that crosses or crowds each other is so beneficial to a tree.

Here are a few pruning tips:

Prune shrubs and trees only to retain the shape or remove damage or disease.

Do not prune spring-flowering shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons in the fall. Pruning spring-flowering shrubs will remove the blossoms that have already begun to form and you will actually have fewer flowers the following year. Prune these right after the plant has had flowers.

I see many flowering shrubs that have been over-pruned. They do not need to look like a skeleton and show every branch. Over-pruning can be damaging to the overall health of the plant.

After pruning the shrub or tree make sure to pick up all the trimmings. If any of the shrub or tree shows disease, burn this material to stop the spread of any infections. Healthy trimming can be added to compost piles or used around shrub and tree bases. I prefer to let them sit a bit and then use in my perennial beds.