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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 professional. Please Contact Us. or call us at 388-2323 from the Treasure Valley area, or 1-800-488-6151 for other areas, for an evaluation of the trees and vegetation around power lines prior to any removals.

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.

ComEd is committed to providing customers with safe, reliable electric service. During periods of wet weather, tree branches that contact power lines can cause power outages. These outages may result in risk to the public from downed power lines and the possibility of property damage. Aside from being inconvenient, power outages also pose a threat to public health and safety.

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]

We are in the business of beautifying and maintaining the structural integrity and vitality of plant materials. Our certified Arborist ( ISA ) on staff will assist and consult in the field of Arboriculture. Removal may be recommended but not necessarily carried out by our organization.