Types Of Pruning Old Deciduous Bushes

2024 Author: Sebastian Paterson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:47

Read the previous part. ← Timing of pruning trees and shrubs in cold climates

Pruning non-flowering plants. Non-flowering trees and shrubs can be pruned at any time. There is a convenient opportunity to give the plant the desired shape - go for it.

- The best pruning time is when the plant is dormant. This increases its energy as it grows.

- If the plant is actively growing and its growth needs to be slowed down, then cut the side branches during the active growing season.

- Cut the branches growing inside the bush. If the branches are tangled and thickened, lighten the plant by removing the inner and side branches. Also remove branches growing at the base of the trunk or main branch in the near-stem circle. This type of pruning improves the shape of the plant and its health by providing light and ventilation inside the plant.

- Do not cut fresh shoots from the trunk, as you will inflict many wounds on it, which will increase the risk of disease. Better to prune lateral weak and fragile branches.

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Pincer the end buds of new branches of broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons. This controls the size of the plants, stimulates the growth of succulent branches. Terminal buds determine the abundance of flowering and inhibit the growth of dormant lateral buds. Pinning of the terminal buds sends signals that stimulate the growth of the lateral buds. Avoid mistakenly pinning large flower buds.

Annual maintenance pruning. Not all trees and shrubs need to be pruned every year. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully inspect and evaluate the decorativeness of plants annually in order to establish the need for pruning. Remove dry and diseased plants, as well as ugly, unsightly and problematic branches that spoil the appearance of the plant and can contribute to the development of disease. Prevent the spread of infectious disease to garden pruning equipment. Disinfect the instrument by rubbing it with alcohol between each cut. In the spring, remove any branches that are defective in winter.

Observe regular pruning. Regular pruning maintains the size of the tree and bush. It is preferable to prune them annually than once every five years. With annual pruning, you spend less labor, make life easier for plants, since removing small branches annually is better than all large branches in one year. Plus, with annual pruning, you can easily influence plant formation. If you see a garden full of beautiful forms of trees and shrubs, it means that they are created mainly as a result of annual pruning.

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Revitalization of the bushes. If the plant reaches the end of its natural short life but is still healthy, it can be renewed. This requires harsh pruning. In this case, the plant is trimmed near the ground itself or slightly higher, while leaving several bare branches.

It will take patience and some effort over the years to recover. To renew the plants, you should provide them with good nutrition, watering, feeding twice a year - in spring and autumn. As a result of the restoration, old, weary branches are drowned out by young handsome men, and you enjoy a beautiful, well-arranged plant.

Reproduction of bushes before pruning. Severe pruning is a kind of risk of losing the entire plant. Therefore, for insurance, it is necessary to create a new plant through reproduction.

In spring, propagate with green cuttings. They are taken throughout the spring until they become lignified. Prune only new growing ends of branches. The minimum length of cuttings is 8-10 cm. If the green cutting is large, say 50-60 cm, then remove the lower leaves, exposing the stem. Immerse the bare stems 2-5 cm deep in a mixture of perlite and vermiculite. Insert the cuttings into the pot so that they stand firmly. Cuttings of such plants as barberry, Japanese quince, weigela, forsythia, honeysuckle, action are kept for rooting all spring.

Summer is the time for semi-lignified cuttings. Receive them for several weeks in early summer. They will root using the same procedures as when growing green cuttings. Good results of growing from semi-lignified cuttings are given by hydrangea, magonia, spirea, weigela and some other plants.

Autumn is the time for woody cuttings. Take them at the end of the growing season, when the plants are fully developed and cannot bend. The thickness of the handle should be at least the thickness of a pencil, and the length should be 12-20 cm. Lignified cuttings can be taken in early winter, laid in a hole at an angle of 30-40 degrees. Store them sprinkled with lightly damp sand, wood shavings, or vermiculite.

In the spring, after the soil has thawed, transfer the cuttings directly into the soil, in a pot or in a flowerbed with prepared soil.

Rejuvenation of old deciduous bushes. Pruning can enhance their flowering and improve their formation. The best time to prune flowering shrubs is according to the type of plant. If you are unsure of when to work with a particular type of plant, check with your local nursery. Most plants respond better to pruning during the winter.

Pruning deciduous shrubs for three years. In a northern climate, gradual pruning is advisable. Plants ending their growth and drooping need to be pruned in order to heal and restore them in three steps. In the first year, one-third of the drooping branches are pruned or the main trunk is pruned.

The next year, one third of dry or wilting branches are again removed. And only in the third year - the last third of the old branches. This plant rejuvenation method is safe and reliable.

In the first year, remove the oldest branches and the least productive stems. Also trim the side stems of the shrub to balance the shape.

In the second and third years, in addition to pruning old branches, remove weak new growth, which spoils the shape of the bush and upsets its balance. After pruning an overgrown bush, there should be enough branches left for the plant to vigorously develop. Neither tree nor bush can survive without sufficient branches to produce chlorophyll. Gently support the remaining stems while maintaining plant height. Some plants, such as flowering quince and rose bush, grow overgrowth from the ground with fast growing branches. It should be removed in the same way as drying out, aging branches and thick branches.