Pruning bushes That Have Grown Too Tall
If you want to keep your bushes from growing too large, you need to trim them regularly. You can do a few different types of trimming, such as thinning out the growth, pruning dead woody stubs, and renewal pruning. Light shearing of hedges can result in huge growth.
(Looking for Land Grading? Contact us today!)
Thinning cuts remove undesired growth
Pruning bushes is an important part of proper plant care. It helps trees and shrubs to maintain ample air circulation. Too many dense branches can block this air circulation. To achieve this, make thinning cuts where the unwanted branch meets the trunk of the tree or shrub. Thinning cuts also prevent the plant from developing disease and lopsided growth.
When thinning bushes and trees, always make lateral branches at least one-third the diameter of the terminal branch. This will allow the remaining branches to take up the photosynthesis work of the cut branch. You can also use multiple lateral branches if you need to. In older trees, remove only dead or damaged branches.
When pruning bushes and trees, use the “one-third rule.” This rule states that you should not prune a third of the crown in one year. To do this, cut back the branches until they reach a lateral bud that is at least a third the diameter of the cut branch. Also, be sure to prune only after the seasonal growth cycle has finished. Early pruning may encourage the growth of new shoots, so it’s best to wait until late winter or early spring. This prevents the growth of decay fungi.
Renewal pruning prevents lanky, untidy growth
The most effective time for pruning shrubs is late winter or early spring when they are in dormancy and preparing for new growth. In spring, prune early to ensure enough flower buds. Some homeowners are reluctant to prune aggressively, but aggressive pruning of well-established bushes will reward you with dense new growth.
Another method of pruning is known as shearing, which involves cutting branches back to the main trunk or side branch. This removes more wood than is needed and encourages more stems to sprout at the lower end of the branch. This method is used to shape hedges or topiaries and to prune general shrubs. However, this method also results in a bare interior of the shrub, requiring radical renewal pruning.
Renewal pruning is also beneficial for bushes that have grown too large. It encourages blooming and controls size. Hard pruning may damage the plant in winter, so it is best to carry out the pruning in the spring to avoid any damage to the plant. However, if the pruning is too drastic, it will not have the desired effect. It is best to prune the plant as far back as possible, 6 to 12 inches from the ground.
Pruning discourages dead woody stubs
The first step in pruning is to determine the height of the bushes and trees in your garden. If they’re too tall, they may need to be pruned to keep them smaller. Pruning can be done in a number of ways, including removing dead woody stubs. It’s also useful for enhancing the shape of your shrubs and trees.
When pruning a tree, always avoid cutting branches too close to the ground. This can lead to the bark becoming loose. Make sure the branches are at least 100mm above ground level and avoid pruning them too high. Cutting them too high can stimulate strong buds near the root collar, which can reduce the success of your operation in the long run.
