Extension

The weather is getting warmer and Daylight-Saving Time has started, which means gardeners are itching to get gardening and landscape tasks underway and take advantage of the extra daylight. Oftentimes, gardeners want to trim and prune shrubs and bushes in anticipation of the growing season and now is a good time to tackle that job.

 

Proper pruning is important and can enhance the look of the landscape. However, improper pruning can wreak havoc in both the look of the landscape and the health of the trees and shrubs. Pruning takes knowledge and practice because gardeners are removing parts of the plants that aren’t effective any longer. When done correctly, pruning will redirect energy for the development of the flowers, fruits, foliage and limbs that remain. Overall, pruning improves the health of the plants while enhancing the landscape.

 

Late March is a good time to prune evergreen shrubs because they have a growth spurt in the spring and again in the late summer. Pruning now will help ensure any pruning cuts are covered quickly with new spring growth. Proper pruning will help control the shape and size of the plant, as well as remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs.

 

When pruning junipers, selective pruning with hand pruners or loppers is a better option than hedge shears. Cut back individual branches to branchlets.

 

The timeframe for pruning pines is smaller. They shouldn’t be pruned until the new shoots, known as candles, start to elongate. At that point, remove only one-third of the candle. Gardeners who miss the window of candle growth will need to wait a year.

 

As the weather warms up, it may be tempting to prune other spring-flowering trees and shrubs. Avoid the urge. These plants shouldn’t be pruned until after they bloom. 

 

Remember, pruning is a regular part of plant maintenance. Often, this task is ignored for several years, which allows plants to become overgrown. This results in necessary drastic pruning to bring the plant back into good form and usefulness. Pruning on a regular basis is key to overall plant health.

 

Oklahoma State University Extension offers pruning information online.