“Where you always get the help you need”

“Proper Pruning Practices”

An introductory guide to why, where, how, and when to prune your trees and shrubs

May 1, 2010

Presented By

Christopher Balogh, CNLP

1051 US Highway 202, Ringoes, NJ 08551 (908) 788-2600

I. Why is Pruning important for your trees and shrubs?

a. Health/Safety

1. Removal of diseased or insect infested wood

2. Removal of undesirable growth (crossing-rubbing and

‘water sprout’ growth)

3. Removal of branches for line-of-sight

4. Removal of ‘dangerous’ (usually dead wood) that may

fall and cause injury

b. Appearance

1. Pruning to enhance the natural form of the tree

a. De-current (spherical) or Ex-current (pyramidal),

it’s important to pick the right tree for the
location so you’re not fighting against the natural
growth form of the plant.

b. Removal of excessive crown growth in a plant.

Many pear trees, pin oaks, and zelkova are
heavily branched and will need corrective pruning
when young

2. Removal of naturally thinning branches due to shading

3. Pruning a plant to promote flowering and knowing when

to prune so you do not inhibit flowers.

II. There are right and wrong ways to prune your plant material

a. Two examples of the wrong type of pruning in trees are pollarding

& topping

b. Topping of shrubs (shearing) can be done if hedging is desired. Be

careful, though, as branches may become ‘heavy’ at the ends.

c. The best pruning practices are done to encourage the longest life
possible in plants.

d. Plants cannot think, therefore we need to think a little bit for them!
III. Tools of the Trade. What do I need to prune my trees/shrubs?

a. Hand Pruners/Loppers

1. Bypass Pruner/Lopper

2. Anvil Cut Pruner/Lopper (only for herbaceous or

softwood)

b. Hand Saw

c. Pole Pruner

d. Sanitizing Solution (70% alcohol or 10% bleach solution)

Anvil-Cut Pruner Pruning Saw

Bypass Pruner
 Pole Pruner 70% Alcohol (Rubbing
Alcohol)

IV. Proper Way to Remove a Branch

a. Three-cut pruning method

 1. First, create a ‘break point’ by cutting approximately 6”
out from where the branch joins the main stem. Begin by
cutting at the bottom of the branch and continue ¼ to 1/3
through the stem

2. Second, move out on the branch approximately 1-3” from

the first cut. Begin at the top of the branch and cut
through until main portion of branch falls off

3. Hold the remainder of the stem in one hand to prevent

tearing and finish the cut off starting at the bark ridge on
top and following the natural line outside the branch
collar.

V. Deciding the Proper Time to Prune Your Trees and Shrubs

a. Trees and shrubs without showy flowers

1. Prune when they are dormant

2. It’s easier to see the form of the tree- to correct any

bad issues

3. It will let the tree recover the quickest from the cut.
 4. Less fluids flowing up and down the tree that could
attract insects and promote disease.

b. Spring Flowering trees and shrubs

1. Always best to prune when dormant

2. 2nd option is to prune immediately after flowering

3. The flower buds will be formed on the new growth for

next season.

c. Summer flowering trees and shrubs

1. Always prune when dormant

2. Buds will form on new branches during the next

growing season and flower normally

SOME common questions when it comes to pruning:

Q: When do I prune my hydrangea?

A: Always safe to remove spent flowers or stem dieback. Big leaf Hydrangea Varieties (Blues,
Pinks, Purples) should be pruned late summer or fall after the flowers have finished. Be careful
not to cut back any stems that did not bloom. Leave these buds intact for the following
growing season

Q: When do I prune my roses and how?

A: Hybrid and shrub roses should be cut while the forsythia is blooming. Keep the center of
the plants ‘open’ to promote air circulation and prevent any crossing growth/branching. For
flower cuttings, cut stem at a 45 degree angle just above the first 5-leaflet seen below the
flower.

Q: When do I prune my Butterfly bushes?

A: March before the plant begins to grow. Cut them back hard (12” from ground) just above a
green bud.

Q: When do I prune my azaleas and rhododendrons?

A: Prune AFTER flowers have faded away. These bloom on the previous season’s growth, so
do not cut them back in the winter/early spring or you may reduce the flower show the produce

For a detailed guide to pruning practices, make sure to visit the USDA Forest Service:

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/Spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_prune/prun001.htm