Why prune trees?

Ornamentals should be routinely inspected for dead, damaged or diseased parts. This type of pruning falls under the category of routine maintenance and can be performed anytime during the year.

Poor planning necessitates the need to prune potentially hazardous growths on ornamentals. Limbs of ornamentals may obstruct views at a busy intersection, hinder sidewalk access by pedestrians, or interfere with utility services. Reducing or eliminating these hazards should be done immediately.

Often ornamentals are trained to take on special shapes. This type of pruning is best done early in the life of an ornamental. Not all ornamentals respond favorably to this. Use the trained eye of an arborist or other specialist to decide.

Improving flowering and fruiting is commonly sought. Most of the fruit or flowers produced are from young and vigorous shoots. Removing one fourth to one third of the oldest and weakest stems allows more light to penetrate into the crown. As a result, young shoots are produced. Pruning to rejuvenate new growth should occur every two or three years.

Pruning is often used to reduce the size of an ornamental tree. This is frequently requested by a new homeowner who inherits old and neglected property. Many plants do not respond well to severe reduction.