Pruning Basics

Gardening Tips
Pruning Basics

Pruning is very important for the plant care but many inexperienced plant growers are confused about it. They are not sure how to determine when and how to prune their plants. In some ways, pruning is an art and it requires some attention to details. However, with a little help and experience, all gardeners can learn how to prune their plants successfully.

It's important to understand that the type of pruning needed depends on the type of a plant. Different plants can handle different amounts of pruning. Be warned: excessive pruning can lead to watersprouting and dieback. Also, it can make a plant look ugly. For these reasons, it's always important to inform yourself about the optimal amount and type of pruning needed for the plant in question.

The Most Important Factors

There are 3 important factors you should take into account when pruning:

  • The kind of cut needed
  • The size of cut
  • The total amount of foliage removed

These factors will vary from plant to plant, so it is essential to be informed about the optimal pruning a specific plant needs.

It's also important to know that pruning often requires some practice, especially for decorative plants. Don't be disappointed if your first attempts don't produce visually pleasing results. At first, focus on practical aspects and plant care. You can take visual aspects into account later.

One thing to remember is that pruning is a three-dimensional art and it takes a lot of practice. Also, another factor you need to take into account is time, since plants tend to respond to pruning months after the cuts are made.

Photo credit: UGA CAES/Extension

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