Pruning is a simple and easy gardening task and just requires a little knowledge. First you need a pair of hand shears or hedge shears. If you need power tools, its probably not pruning that needs to be done, and if it is, call a professional to do it. First and foremost, make sure the blade is sharp. The cardinal rule is to prune back to a branch or bud, or you will leave a stub that can cause disease in the tree.

Most major pruning on deciduous plants (plants that loose their leaves in fall) should be done when the plant is dormant. During the growing season, a plant's leaves contain food, in the form of sugars. Removing these leaves, before they are able to send this food back down to the plants roots in fall, will rob the plant of essential food and stunt it's growth. See similar questions...

It really depends on the type of shrub you are needing to prune and if and when it flowers. Pruning flowering shrubs at the wrong time can affect the blooming. For shrubs that flower on new growth: they should be pruned early in the spring before blooming. Pruning in the spring will encourage new growth and more flowers. Examples: Blue Mist Spirea, Anthony Waterer Spirea, Potentilla. Shrubs which bloom on old growth from the previous year should be pruned AFTER flowering. See similar questions...

Shrub trimming is performed from June to September at the customer’s request. We trim most hedges and shrubs during the summer, although some materials are best pruned in the winter. Over the past five years we have been hand pruning more and using electric trimmers less, all in an effort to promote healthier shrubs. See similar questions...

The main objective of trimming and pruning is to shape the bonsai into the desired form and to reduce growth above ground in order to maintain a balance with root growth. The process of shaping begins when the tree is very young and is on-going as it continues its growth. Trimming is accomplished by using a sharp scissors or shears. This traditional tool is called butterfly shears or bonsai shears and is used for removing foliage and light branches. See similar questions...

BOB: The best "rule of thumb" is to prune them within 30 days after they finish blooming. This will allow them time to form new flower buds for next year. [More about pruning shrubs] BOB: Golf courses use a variety of grass (bentgrass) that can withstand short mowing. Your home lawn needs to be cut at 2-1/2 to 3 inches. Remember: The longer the blade the deeper the roots. See similar questions...

Since these plants bloom on previous year's wood, they should be pruned after they bloom or else you will sacrifice flower buds. Pruning should be done within six weeks after blooming. This is also a good time to feed them. We recommend Merrifield Flowering Plant Food, a high phosphorous formula that will promote flowering. These plants should be pruned in the early spring before the new growth begins to emerge. Bigleaf, Oakleaf and Climbing Hydrangeas are an exception to this rule. See similar questions...

Answer: Pruning is a dwarfing, stimulating and stressful event. It's best to start most pruning January or February. However, diseased or dead limbs and root suckers can be removed at any time. In the fall plants are slowing down and entering a dormant period. The dormant period is a physiological stage where buds cannot be forced to grow even under ideal conditions. Trees and shrubs are moving compounds from the leaves and branches and storing carbohydrates in the trunks and roots. See similar questions...

The ideal time to prune deciduous (or hardwood) trees is when they are dormant. On some flowering trees you may want to prune right after flowering. Conifers may be pruned any time of year, but pruning during the dormant season may minimize sap and resin flow from cut branches. For a complete guide to pruning, check out the U. S. Forest Service's publication on How to Prune Trees. Again, when the job is too big, it's time to hire a Certified Arborist. See similar questions...

You should not attempt to prune any vegetation growing near or on any overhead power line. Only specially-trained line clearing professionals should work around power lines. For more information about working with qualified tree professionals and to view a list of independent tree care contractors in your area, visit Tree Trimming Crews. See similar questions...

Pruning trees around power lines should only be attempted by trained professionals. Serious injuries and even fatalities have occurred when untrained individuals do this work without the assistance of qualified professionals. Please call us for an evaluation of the trees and vegetation around power lines prior to any removals. Pruning vegetation around power lines is an extremely hazardous job. AUB discourages you from undertaking any pruning activities close to electrical equipment. See similar questions...

BOB: While there are a few trees (Oaks and "fleshy rooted" trees) that should only be dug in the spring, most plants today are containerized or balled-and-burlapped (B+B) and can be planted anytime of the year. [More about shrub planting and tree planting] See similar questions...

My White Pine trees have lots of inner needles that have just recently turned yellow. Are the trees dying? (September question) See similar questions...

BOB: If there is less than one-inch of rainfall per week, thoroughly water new trees and shrubs once a week during the growing season (spring and summer). See similar questions...

Many local nurseries carry plants that make good wildlife habitat. In addition, the state operates a nursery in Ames. Orders are taken every year during the winter for spring delivery. The phone number for the state forest nursery is (800) 865-2477. The local NRCS District also sometimes orders plants for wildlife and windbreak plantings. Their number is (712) 943-6727. See similar questions...

Yes, many trees and shrubs can be pruned during spring. However, spring blooming plants (azaleas, rhododendrons, forsythia, lilac) should be pruned after they flower. During early spring, some plants may bleed, but this causes no permanent damage. See similar questions...