Prune Overgrown Bushes in Under an Hour
There are 3 rules or steps to follow when pruning. Once, you learn these steps, you can prune your bushes properly and quickly. Following these rules removes disease and pest, opens up the framework of the plant, and promotes the healthiest growth. Make pruning cuts in this order.
- Dead, damaged, diseased, problem branches
- Crossing branches
- Aesthetic branches
The second week of September, I pruned all of the woody ornamentals for a customer in Homeland. A small tree on the property was a perfect example to demonstrate thoughtful pruning. A few cuts solved multiple problems. If you follow basic rules of pruning, it is possible to make an ornamental look better in just a few minutes.
Where to start
Before starting a job, I take an inventory of plants and bushes along the property. I identify any plants that need to be pruned and make note of dead, damaged, diseased and problem branches. The tree on the right had multiple dead branches that were removed (not pictured) and many branches causing problems (pictured)
Low branches pose several risks. First, they can be dangerous. We mow at this property and the low branches on this small tree scrape against our faces as we cut. If someone is not paying attention, they can easily scratch or poke their eye. Another issue is evident in the photo. The low branches are blocking light from getting to the lawn. As you can see, there is a nice mud puddle right underneath the tree.
In about 15 minutes, I was able to turn the tree on the right into the tree below. I cut away the problem branches and any wood that was dead, diseased or pest infested.
Crossing branches
After making the first necessary cuts evaluate the work you have done so far. Most of the time, plants look much more aesthetic. Now remove branches that are crossing one another. Cutting away these branches opens up and reveals the framework of woody ornamentals. Flower and foliage are beautiful, but the architecture of a tree or shrub is as equally appealing. Trees that are entangled (like below) look neglected and unkempt.
Pruning crossed branches benefits the plant, too. More light penetrates the plant and increased
Finishing touches
By this time, I was 95% done pruning. The cuts I made were purposeful and swift. Each cut alleviated a specific problem or proactively prevented a problem in the future. The final step is pruning any branches that are not aesthetically pleasing. In this case, there were NO branches that had to be removed. The first two steps solve all of my problems. Clean up the debris was my last task.
Sometimes there will be some cuts to make. It there is an especially tall branch, you may want to remove it to regulate plant height. Likewise, you may remove branches that stick out laterally.
To emphasize the difference that a few cuts can make look at these before and after photos
