Shrub Pruning Naturally
July, August and September is an ideal time of year
for maintenance pruning to be performed on most
shrubs. Summer shrub pruning is commonly
desired for several purposes: to contain the size of
plants, improve shape and appearance, to increase their
density, and frequently to provide clearance and security around the home. Natural shrub pruning is as much
an art as science. The aesthetic results are often as
important as the health benefits provided to the plants.
In concept the technique of natural pruning is simple;
control the size and shape of shrubs by removing long branches at their point of origin, deep within the plant.
The removal of shoots or stems in their entirety creates
openings or voids in the canopy. These openings or
light shafts direct light to the interior of the plant,
allowing small branches and leaves within the shrub
to develop. These small limbs will become the future
framework of the plant. In essence, young limbs within
the plant are nurtured to replace older larger limbs.
This process of continued replacement, allows us to maintain the
size and shape of shrubs, hand
pruned on a consistent basis.
Contrast natural hand pruning
with shearing. When a plant is
sheared, all of the pruning
cuts are made on exactly
the same plane, resulting in
a very formal, but unnatural appearance. Although
this formal appearance is
sometimes desired, it
always comes with an
unintentional side effect.
When all pruning cuts are made
along one plane, all re-growth
sprouts from this point, because of
the effect of losing apical control.
This dense flush of growth limits or
prevents sunlight from penetrating into the plant. The resulting lack of sunlight
prevents live growth inside the plant. Because there is no growth inside, the
plant comes to resemble an empty eggshell, with just a thin shell covering a
hollow interior. This means the plant will need to grow larger and larger each
year, as just a portion of the ever lengthening branches can
be sheared off. Eventually, the plant will outgrow its place .Obviously shearing
has its place in formal settings, especially with hedges. However, for most landscapes
in our area, hand pruning provides a more pleasing finish.
It is sometimes possible to 'transition' plants from shearing and begin pruning them in a more natural manner. We can evaluate your plants and let you know
if this makes sense for you. Commonly this process
begins in March or April and takes several years to
complete. In some cases there is no value in trying
to natural prune a severely sheared plant, and the
most appropriate care is to continue shearing, and
eventually replace if needed. We would be pleased to discuss natural
hand pruning of shrubs with you if you do not already
take advantage of the benefits of this uncommon skill.
