Pruning Pointers for Trees and Shrubs

Pruning trees and shrubs may be the most feared act in gardening. Using sharp metal objects to cut away life goes against our natural inclinations. Remember that Nature is the Great Pruner. For example, when trees grow too close together, branches die as they compete for sunlight and airflow. Pruning is a vital part of gardening. Proper pruning will control growth while keeping the plant looking natural. There are some basic reasons why we prune.

To Thin:

Remove to improve. Thinning is about cutting out all dead, diseased, and injured parts to let in more air and light. Most important, thinning prevents confusion of a plant's structural line and enhances its health.

To Reduce:

Our job is to prevent certain shrubs and trees from outgrowing their position in a yard. Judicious reducing helps plants develop into sound structures without over-stressing their limbs. Also, maximum flowering and bountiful fruit are only possible by pruning.

To Rejuvenate:

It sounds harsh, but severe pruning is necessary to restore older trees and shrubs to better health. Most plants are amazingly forgiving with severe pruning. Think twice, cut once, and watch carefully.

When to Prune:

-Prune spring blooming shrubs after they bloom. They bloom on old growth.
-Prune roses in late spring. When the forsythias bloom it is the perfect time to prune roses.
-Prune summer blooming shrubs in the early spring. They bloom on new growth.

Here are some pruning pointers for late winter and early spring. Plants are dormant, but the coldest part of winter has passed, lowering the chance of cold damage near pruning cuts.

Prune butterfly bush severely. These plants bloom only on new shoots. Stimulate new growth by lopping the whole plant to within a few inches of the ground.

Potentillia can be pruned to a small round shrub. This will shape them, remove spent blooms, and keep the plant uniform and neat.

On apple and other fruit trees, cut water sprouts right to their bases. These vigorous, upright shoots soak up the plant's energy and bear few or no flowers or fruits. Remove weak twigs.

Summer blooming spirea will look and bloom better if they are sheared back in the spring. Remove all dead branches and one-third of the plant. The spring blooming varieties should be pruned in the early summer, after they bloom.

Visit the Garden Solution Center at Pinehurst for all your gardening needs.

Soil Activator

Utilize a great all purpose soil conditioning product that's great for lawns, gardens, and ornamental plantings. Read through the information below to learn the many benefits of incorporating natural carbon and humates into your soils.

GENERAL BENEFITS OF HUMATES:
Humate is a natural product and has no chemical additives.

Humate is an organic compost containing a high concentration of humic acid which is recycled back into the soil.

Humate holds nutrients in a usable form and releases them to the growing plant as needed. It stretches out the food availability between feedings.

Humate helps aerate the soil. It assists in preventing formation of large lumps and stratification of the soil.

Humate activates the decomposition of new compost and grass clippings.

Humate increases the water-holding capacity of soils. Soil containing humate resists drought more effectively and produces better yields where rainfall or irrigation may otherwise be insufficient.

Humate improves the workability of the soil. Heavy clay soils can be worked into satisfactory seed beds and marginal soils into profitable soils. Soils are more crumbly.

Humate reduces soil erosion by increasing the cohesive forces of very fine soil particle and promotes desirable drainage and water intake.

BENEFITS OF HUMATES ON YOUR LAWN:

Promotes decomposition of grass clippings and thatch, turning them into valuable soil nutrients

Improves soil structure (clay soils will become crumblier, sandy soils show improved moisture retention)

Increases availability of soil nutrients, improving plant nutrition

Enhances seed germination, emergence, and survival

Improves root development

Improves plant vigor and appearance (visual quality)

Little or no increased frequency of mowing

Makes your plants less susceptible to stress


In addition to humates, Soil Activator contains 17 other trace elements for the health of your lawn. It is a 'must' product for anyone with a mulching blade mower. Use Natural Guard Soil Activator twice a year, once with the first spring feeding and again in the fall - at a rate of 20 lb. per 2,000 sq. ft.