Keeping trees and shrubs well-pruned will promote vigorous and healthy plants. We at McKenzie's would like to offer the following information to assist you in keeping your landscape healthy and beautiful.
Safety First
If you are unable to reach the areas to be pruned from the ground, a stable ladder set on a firm even surface is a must. If you feel at all insecure about your equipment or position, call a professional.
Tools
Making sure all your tools are sharp and clean may sound obvious, but a poor cut can leave a slow-healing wound allowing disease easy access to your plants. You also can spread disease from one tree to another if your tools aren't properly cleaned. Especially when pruning diseased areas make sure you disinfect tools with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
When To Prune
Evergreens should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Fruit trees need to be pruned before they bloom, preferably in late winter or early spring.
Spring blooming shrubs and trees should be pruned just after flowers fade in late spring or early summer.
Summer blooming shrubs and trees will need to be pruned in late winter or early spring.
Most all other trees may be pruned in fall.
You can prune dead or diseased branches anytime. Be sure to prune back to healthy tissue.
General Rules
1.Make cuts flush with main stem. (see photo)
2.When removing large branches, first make a cut to the underside of the limb and then complete the cut from the top side.
3.Prune the top of a tree more heavily then the lower portion, but never top a tree.
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