Pruning deciduous trees and shrubs
Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
This winter has not been consistent in temperature or precipitation, but cooler nighttime temperatures help keep plants dormant. Now is the time to prune your deciduous trees and shrubs. It is recommended to remove no more than 25% (10-15% in stressed trees) of a tree’s canopy each year. This will help eliminate stress to the tree and give it the ability to seal over pruning wounds. However, removing crossing branches, water sprouts and suckers, and dead wood will help promote tree health and reduce potential damage from storms.
When pruning make good pruning cuts and use sharp tools. A pruning saw and a pair of hand pruners are often the most useful tools. Aim to keep your pruning cuts less than 2” in diameter. For large branches, use the three-cut pruning method, diagramed below (graphic courtesy of the University of Missouri). Do not leave “stubs”.
For more detailed information on pruning ornamental and shade trees, refer to https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/615.pdf. For details on pruning fruit trees, refer to https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/training-and-pruning-fruit-trees-7-003/.
Pruning Evergreens
Appropriate selection and siting of evergreen trees and shrubs will reduce the need for pruning, but on occasion a dead or damaged branch may need to be removed to maintain plant health. While shearing shrubs is considered to be quick and easy, it often results in unattractive browning and abnormal plant form. Evergreen trees can be pruned to remove multiple leaders. If you’re trying to control growth on pine trees or shrubs, you can pinch back or prune the emerging candles by half. For additional information on pruning firs, spruce, pine and junipers, refer to https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/617.pdf.
Pruning Flowering Shrubs
Summer-blooming shrubs that bloom on new growth (e.g. many hydrangea, potentilla, blue-mist spirea, etc.) can be pruned during the late winter/early spring. However, shrubs like lilacs and forsythia are best pruned shortly after they have flowered; pruning spring-blooming shrubs now will likely remove blooms, since you’re pruning off the flower buds. Like evergreens, it’s not recommended to shear flowering shrubs, as it can lead to unattractive growth in the center of the shrubs. More details on pruning shrubs is available through https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1713-pruning-shrubs/ and https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/616.pdf.
Another shrub pruning approach is rejuvenation and renewal pruning. Rejuvenation is cutting back the entire shrub to a few inches above ground. This will encourage the plant to sucker. This is successful on spirea, potentilla, and burning bush. Keep in mind the re-growth will depend on the overall health of the shrub, so give the plants some extra water following pruning. Renewal pruning is thinning plants and removing one-third of the oldest branches over a period of three years. This works well on red-twig dogwood and lilacs.
If you want to watch the CSU Extension video on renewal versus rejuvenation pruning, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q88db-I3aw8
Pruning Roses
Wait until mid-to-late April to prune roses; pruning too early can result in winterkill from late spring frosts and freezing temperatures. Roses are usually pruned back to remove dead canes and to shape the plant. For more information on pruning roses, refer to https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1763-pruning-roses/
If you have gardening or landscape questions, please contact the CSU Extension Master Gardeners in Larimer County. They are available by email: [email protected] or you can leave a message for them to return your call: 970-498-6000.
- April, 13 2017
Hunting for Easter events in Berthoud?
By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor Berthoud will have many kid-friendly Easter activities this year. Some...
- August, 07 2014
Thompson Board of Education meeting o...
Meeting cancelled after board failed to approve meeting agenda By John Gardner The Surveyor The...
- May, 18 2017
Turner students re-enact “Trial of th...
Scott Washenfelder’s sixth grade literature classes...
- November, 23 2022
PoliceFiles – November 23, 2022
Monday, November 14 Vehicle Theft: Elm St., an unknown suspect(s) stole a 1999 Chevy S10...
- September, 02 2021
News bites – September 2, 2021
*Total Cases: 31,195 (+772 from last week) Total Cases in Berthoud: 1,429 (+49) Deaths: 268...
- February, 15 2019
Petition seeks to put limits on debt ...
By Rudy Hemmann The Surveyor Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees became...
Obituary – Shirley French
Community NewsBHS places third in 4A Colorado Knowledge Bowl 2024
Community NewsRide along with Berthoud’s snowplow drivers
Community NewsSpartans steal the show at Roosevelt High School
Community NewsSurveyor launches Berthoud Beat podcast
Local News
COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Community Calendar – add an eventHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
05 Apr 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
03 May 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
07 Jun 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
05 Jul 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
02 Aug 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
06 Sep 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM