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But, why???

Why trees change colors
Not all birches are the same

Purple glitters

Poison Ivy

Good fences, good neighbors

Water rules

Pruning sense

Don't try this at home!

Friends and foes

Cold facts

Attention please

Good Fences, Good Neighbors

Evergreens are often planted to increase privacy and can be an important part of a landscape's character. When planting these natural 'fences', it is important to select the proper plant for the site to achieve the desired objective. Whatever the species, hedging plants usually require pruning to maximize their effect and usefulness.

As most evergreens grow, typically the oldest foliage is shed each year. This natural needle drop, combined with the lack of light to the plant's interior, can reduce the density of foliage. Further, since the lower branches are the oldest parts of the plant, they are often the weakest and the first to die. After time, it is all too common to see the lowest limbs on a hedge thin or die, reducing or eliminating its function and the original intent of the planting. Just picture a mature white pine with its long, bare trunk and a thick canopy high overhead.

Through tested experience, we have developed pruning techniques to influ- ence evergreens' architecture in a manner which retains the lower foliage, keeping it alive and dense. We refer to these pruning techniques as 'A'-shaping. This allows its lower foliage preserving this property's privacy. increased sunlight to filter through the plant's canopy, but most importantly allows the bottom bows to receive enough sunlight to keep them vigorous and full.

Occasionally, new clients may be initially concerned about the reduction in height and the sparse appearance of the plants immediately after pruning; this look is fleeting. By removing the terminal tips of the branches, we remove the source of new growth inhibitors called auxins. We refer to this as breaking the plant's apical dominance. Without the presence of reducing or eliminating its function and the original auxins, hundreds of pre-existing buds along the branch sprout and cause the plant to thicken.

Some species respond more aggressively after pruning than others. Yews, white pines, and hollies are examples of the best species that produce new foliage reacting to the loss of apical control. Conversely, without proper pruning, the interior of the plant will die.

In every instance, it is important to recognize the intent of the original planting to develop the proper pruning prescription. As arborists, we naturally take a long-term perspective when managing plants to preserve the desired character of landscapes. Robert Frost said, 'Good fences make good neighbors.' Similarly we believe proper pruning can make good neighbors hard to see.