Pruning in cold weather.

Pruning trees and shrubs during cold weather provides an opportunity to get outside for a while. Dormant plants also afford a clear view of limbs, so pruning properly is easier. Be certain to use super sharp pruners for clean, clear cuts.

We prune for several reasons. Among them are:
1. Improve spacing of the limbs and to open up the tree (Fruit trees need light "inside")
2. Remove damage
3. Increase stem and foliar density
4. Create different or unusual shapes like espaliers
5. Stimulate new growth
6. Protect people and your property

How to prune trees.
1. Trim while a tree is young to produce the kind of mature tree you want.
2. Make narrow crotch angles.
3. Create the smallest diameter wound possible.
4. Do not leave a stub.
5. Locate the branch collar where the trunk stops and the limb starts. It is a slight bulge. Make
your cut at the outer edge of the collar (limb side).
6. Use a double cut method to prevent tearing the bark.
7. Make your first cut about 12 inches from the tree trunk.
8. Make an under cut first, and then a cut on top t remove the limb to reduce the weight of the limb. This method prevents stripping bark from the tree when the limb falls.
9. Place the blade of your pruners next to the trunk or remaining branch.
10.The hook part of your pruners is next to the limb being removed.
11.Then make your final cut.

2. Rejuvenation
Trim 1/3 of the oldest stems each year at ground level. Do this every year and after three years you have a new plant. It improves the shape and density of the plant.

3. Renewal
Cut the plant off about two inches above the ground.
a. Bloom time determines when you complete this pruning job.
b. If the plant blooms on new growth, then cut in early spring before new growth appears.
c. If the plant blooms on old wood, then cut it after the bloom fades. The plant will put out new growth before dormancy and it will be ready for bloom in the next season.

What about topping trees?
Besides embarrassing trees, why top?
The problem in topping trees is a little botanical issue called Apical Dominance (the actively growing and dividing tissue at the tip of a root or shoot). When we cut, we remove the apical bud and the growth hormone that prevents growth in the lateral buds.

Those lateral buds produce growth and our topped trees look like fat limbs with many skinny shoots popping out the top and around the cut. Growth at this point is weak and susceptible to damage from storms. Hold your hand up with your fingers and thumb upright. That is a decent visual of what topped trees look like, Topping creates ugly trees.

If power lines or some other obstacle requires topping, just take the trees out and start over. Plant good trees in spaces that allow them to grow naturally and train them while they are young. Then they can grow to maturity naturally.

When should we prune evergreens?
Prune evergreens when new growth extends and matures before freezing temperatures.
Prune pines well before Labor Day. Pruning after Labor Day removes next year's buds. If you prune after Labor Day and go far enough back into 3/4 year old wood, they will never put out new buds again.

The best choice is to choose the right tree for the right place and let it grow.

So, if you must prune, don warm duds, sharpen your tools, and reshape some plants today.