Pruning. Pruning Newly Planted Trees 1/18/2012

Transcription

1 Pruning Pruning Newly Planted Trees Broken or diseased branches Remove double leader Trees should have one dominant leader Even new deciduous trees should have a triangular form Pruning Newly Planted Trees Broken or diseased branches Remove double leader Trees should have one dominant leader Even new deciduous trees should have a triangular form 1

2 Pruning Trees in the Landscape Tree structure Removing unwanted branches Reducing stem and branch length Reducing canopy size Raising the canopy Thinning the canopy What do I prune? Dead Branches Water sprouts Closely spaced branches Sucker growth branch stubs Weak narrow crotches Rubbing branches Proper Pruning 2

3 Remove Dead Branches Remove Crossing Branches Can cause wounding and therefore an entryway for insects and disease Remove Infested Branches Keeps rot and disease from infecting the entire tree Always clean pruners after each cut 3

4 When to Prune? Dr Bob Gough used to say you prune when the knife is sharp. Pruning is best done when the tree is dormant Several arborists say pruning is best done late winter, early spring Yearly When to Prune? Dr Bob Gough used to say you prune when the knife is sharp. Pruning is best done when the tree is dormant Several arborists say pruning is best done late winter, early spring Yearly Exception: Spring Flowering Ornamental Trees and Shrubs Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs just after they bloom Spring flowering trees and shrubs produce their flower buds just after they flower. Late winter or early spring pruning will remove flower buds Example: Lilac 4

5 Considerations in Pruning Trees that are pruned and maintained yearly are healthier and will save you money in the end Large weak branches are unsafe A branch grows bigger and does not move up the tree. Prune branches off the ground for: Sidewalks Mowing ease Massive Failure This tree had included bark in the union of two major trunks One of the trunks split off leaving a major hole in this once beautiful elm tree If branches are allowed to fall without support, trees can be injured as shown here Branch should havebeen undercut first to prevent this Use the three cut method to remove branches Improper Cut 5

6 Three Cut Method 1. Make an undercut 6 24 from branch collar 2. Make a second cut just above the undercut and remove branch 3. Make the final cut, leaving the collar intact Branch Removal The collar contains the branch protection zone which slows the spread of decay into the trunk After Branch Removal The collar is left intact after a branch is properly removed 6

7 Should I Paint or Seal the Wound? Studies have shown that using wound sealers, paints, tar and coatings do not work and can even trap diseases in the tree Can cause faster decay Let the tree use its natural defense mechanisms One Year Later One year after this branch was removed, callus and woundwood is forming in a circular pattern Properly removed branches will form this circular pattern or, initially, a U shaped pattern Codominant Stems Codominant stems are not well attached, especially when included bark is present in the union Branches are more secure when they are small in comparison to the trunk Proper branch angle Bad branch angle 7

8 Bark Inclusion A bark inclusion is a crack indicating a weak connection As these two trunks expand in diameter, they physically push against each other which may cause the union to fail. There is little wood tissue connecting the two trunks. Large Branches Removed Leaves a huge wound No branch protection zone Decay can begin Big wounds can mean poor management Reduction Cuts in the Canopy Reduction cuts are useful for developing a dominant leader in the canopy of shade trees 8

9 Subordination Pruning that restricts the growth of specific branches and helps develop a central leader Before pruning After light pruning After moderate pruning Most evergreens do not need to be pruned. Pruning Evergreens Spruce can be formed or shaped Do not shape pines and firs Regrowth from the cut will not occur Pines can be candled to keep the same size Simply twist off the candle each year Candle Pruning Shrubs Wilson Bros Nursery Step 1 Start by removing long shoots coming up from base that spoil the shrub's shape and appearance. Step 2 Remove all branches that are lying on the ground as well as all the broken, diseased, dead, or crossing branches. Step 3 Thin out about 1/3 of the oldest branches, leaving no stubs. After blooming the next season cut out about 1/3 of the oldest and all of the dead branches and repeat year after year. 9

10 The Hedge Proper hedge shape allows entire hedge to receive sunlight The Hedge Proper hedge shape allows entire hedge to receive sunlight Renovating an Old Hedge Remove 1/4 of the larger, older stems close to the ground Repeat for 3 4 years Will leave open spaces Open spaces will grow in with new shoots by opening up the canopy Proper hedge stems should be no more than 1 in diameter 10

11 Hand pruner Folding saw Pole pruner saw Disinfectant preferably alcohol Gloves Tool maintenance Practice, practice, practice and enjoy Tools of the Trade Do Not Top Trees Also known as: Topping Hat racking Sever pruning Heading Tipping Rounding over Detriment to trees Stresses the trees Starves the tree Causes decay Can lead to sunburn Causes weak branches and hazardous branches Expensive Ugly 11

12 Topping What Not To Do 12

13 Topping What Not To Do Topping What Not To Do Topping What Not To Do 13

14 According to Linda Chalker Scott, Center for Urban Horticulture, University of Washington Tree topping is never a justifiable pruning practice; it increases tree health problems and is aesthetically unappealing A topped tree will require constant maintenance and has an increased potential to become hazardous Hazardous trees are a liability and ultimately the property owner is responsible for any damage hazard trees cause Certified arborists and other legitimate landscape professionals do not practice tree topping There are acceptable pruning techniques designed to keep trees away from power lines and other structures If problems caused by a tree cannot be solved through acceptable managementpractices practices, the tree should be removed and replaced with plant material more appropriate for the site Think about the mature size of a tree and where it will grow relative to power lines and other structures before you plant it Questions? End 14