Reasons for pruning:
- To remove dead branches.
- To eliminate hazards.
- To remove crossing or crowded limbs.
- To slow growth by removing foliage.
- To reduce wind resistance.
- To increase light penetration.
- Aesthetics.
Timing:
- Generally growth is maximized if pruning is done just before rapid periods of growth. If the objective is to reduce plant growth prune after the growing season.
- Remove dead or hazardous limbs at any time.
- Be careful not to prune flower buds off. You will lose your flowering for the year.
Pruning cuts:
- Cuts should be made immediately after the bark ridge collar. See diagram. Be careful not to leave jagged or torn edges. The cuts need to be smooth. If the cut is made smoothly along the bark ridge collar a callus will develop around the entire cut. The cut was made improperly if the callus develops only on a portion of the cut or not at all the cut was made improperly.
