Pruning Desert Plants Presented by: Steve Priebe City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department The 3 D s Priority I: Dead Dying Diseased If this is what you want done to your tree, ask or tell a certified arborist that you want a crown cleaning The 2 C s Priority II: Crowded limbs Criss-crossing limbs
This is an example of a thinning cut If you want this done to your tree ask or tell a certified arborist to perform crown thinning Remember to select and establish one dominant leader and remove competing branches. This process is referred to as subordinating Priority III: Eliminate Hazards Branches that block walkways Branches that block signage and views
Priority IV: Direct Growth This is an example of a reduction cut Reduction cuts are made when it is necessary to reduce the length of a limb To do this the limb is cut back to a lateral limb When possible, it is best to avoid this type of cut Priority VIXXCN: Control Growth Size Shape
Have an objective, prune to reduce the potential for branch failure provide clearance reduce shade and wind resistance maintain health Improve a view improve influence flower and fruit production Winter Spring Summer Fall Timing: Deciduous Trees Frost-sensitive Species Native (indigenous) Time to give it a rest Timing Depends on the type of shrub and goal Do not prune frost sensitive species in the fall or winter Do not prune spring flowering species in the fall or winter Do not perform crown reductions, renovations or restorations in the summer Frost sensitive plants that shouldn t be pruned in the fall: Yellow oleander Petite oleander Bougainvillea Lantana Bird of Paradise
This is a heading cut Heading cuts are more acceptable on shrubs because the failure of a shrub branch is not likely to result in damage of property or life Spring flowering shrubs to prune at the end of the bloom period: Cassia Bush morning glory Brittle Bush Dalea Chuparosa Sophora Summer and Fall flowering plants to prune after winter dormancy: Cordia Cape Honeysuckle Yellow dot Dalea Hibiscus Fairy duster Plants that have and can handle restorative type of pruning: Cordia Bougainvillea Texas Ranger Cassia Brittlebush Oleander
Timing: If a proper pruning cut is made any time of the year.
Proper Pruning Cut: Never remove a tree s ability to heal its wound. Learn to recognize the branch bark ridge and branch collar. Proper Pruning Cut: Do not flush cut trees. Do not leave living stubs.
This is a heading cut Heading cuts are made without regard to the branch collar/branch protection zone
In addition to allowing the tree to compartmentalize, pruning just to the outside of the branch collar most closely simulates where branches are shed naturally. Tools: 3 Cut Method: ½ diameter snip > 1 diameter zawooba 1 diameter clip When cutting limbs with a saw use the 3 cut method to prevent tearing bark.
3 Cut Method: 2. Overcut Branch Bark Ridge Keep Tools Clean and Sharp Regardless of make, model, size... 1. Undercut 3. Final Cut Branch Collar What to do Do Not Stub Cut Do Not Flush Cut What NOT to do Do Not Paint Wounds
Pruning for Strength: Remove temporary branches after the tree has been in for 2-3 years. Remove watersprouts and suckers. Remove branches with narrow angles. Maintain a center of gravity. At some point in the life of the tree, it will be necessary to select and establish the lowest permanent branch The lowest permanent branch should be less than half the diameter of the trunk at the point of attachment
Pruning for Form: Establish evenly spaced scaffold branches. Protect the leader from competition. Remove protruders and ingrowers. Maintain adequate crown ratio (2/3).
Codominant branches often lack a branch bark ridge and do not have a branch protection zone This is an example of a heading cut Using heading cuts to reduce tree size is inappropriate
If you want the canopy of your tree to be smaller ask or tell a certified arborist to perform a crown reduction
Citrus Pruning Palm Pruning Do not prune unless necessary. i.e. Have a reason other than I gotta prune I gotta prune I gottta prune!
Ornamental Shrubs: Let em Show Their Stuff
Develop a pruning philosophy How about dolphins?? Shearing: the practice of turning natural shapes into Spheres Squares Trapezoids Pick a shape
Shearing stimulates growth on the outer edges of the plant Shearing also removes green leaves that are needed to produce food for the plant Repeated pruning [shearing] weakens a plant by quite literally starvation. -Dr. Chris A. Martin, Urban Horticulturist, ASU
For a natural shape Throw away the hedge trimmers Remove protruders Prune from the inside out Utilize renovation and restorative pruning techniques STOP SHEARING SHRUBS Good reasons to avoid the use and misuse of shearing as a pruning technique: 1. It locks you into a highmaintenance routine. 2. It creates excessive waste to send to landfills. 3. It causes the plant to use water less efficiently. 4. It is difficult in the long run to control the size. 5. It is a drain on the health of the plant and may even cause death. 6. It eliminates the flowers and destroys the branch patterns and texture.
Natural shapes Pick the right plant Put it in the right place Mitigate the need to prune
Thank You! Questions? Use Hand Tools: Choose the appropriate tool for the size of branch(es) to be pruned: Hand pruners Loppers Hand saw