Most ornamental plants do not require regular pruning. In fact, plants that are allowed to grow into their natural form will eventually prune themselves.
There are several reasons to prune plants, including to train young plants, maintain plant health, and improve the quality of flowers or fruit. Never prune plants without first having a good reason. (Doing it because your neighbor is pruning is not a good reason.)
One of the most important reasons to prune plants is to improve plant health by removing what are referred to as the “three Ds” — dead, diseased or damaged wood. This can be done at any time of the year. When removing dead, diseased or damaged areas of the plant, be sure to cut back to alive, healthy tissue.
If you’re using pruning to control the size of a plant, then the wrong plant was selected for that space. Consider replanting with something appropriate for the space.
Different plants should be pruned at different times of the year. As a rule of thumb, prune spring flowering shrubs, like rhododendrons and magnolias, after they flower but before July 4. Prune summer blooming shrubs, like abelia and hollies, in late winter before plants send out leaves.
Don’t remove more than a third of the plant at one time. Doing so may overstress the plant and cause it to die. Some plants, like pines and junipers, will not leaf out if pruned excessively. However, there are some exceptions. Crape myrtle and butterfly bush, for example, can withstand severe pruning.
Do not treat pruning cuts. It was once recommended to treat wounds created by pruning with a sealer, but studies have shown that it inhibits a plant's natural healing process and can lead to decay. Given adequate time, a healthy plant will heal itself.
Pruning incorrectly can weaken a plant, making it more prone to develop insect and disease problems, or even kill it. It is better to not prune a plant than do it incorrectly.
To learn more about pruning, attend the upcoming pruning workshop hosted by the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Service. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9- 11 a.m. at the Iredell County Agricultural Center in Statesville. Register for this free workshop by calling 704-873-0507.
Amanda Taylor is an agriculture agent (horticulture) with the NC Cooperative Extension Service in Statesville.
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