Pruning the plant helps it grow strong and look neat and attractive. Pruning plants is useful for removing damaged branches, thus allowing the growth of new shoots or creating a special shape. It is very important that you do the pruning properly so that you don't damage the plant. Continue reading to learn the basics about pruning.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Decide on the Parts to Trim
Step 1. Observe the shape of the plant
Take a few moments to observe the size and shape of the tree and imagine what it will look like when you finish trimming it.
Step 2. Identify the main branch/branches on the tree that serve as the “frame”
Avoid throwing away the branches.
Step 3. Remove any branches showing signs of damage from strong winds or other impacts
Broken branches must be pruned so that the water and nutrients they still absorb can be distributed to the healthy branches.
Step 4. Thin the area filled with branches
Cut branches that grow across each other so that the plant opens and allows air circulation and light to reach all parts of the plant. In order to grow healthy, trees need good air circulation through and around the branches. Branches that are too close together encourage mold growth and attract more insects.
Remove any branches that grow inward towards the center of the tree. The branches tend to be messy and unhealthy
Step 5. Prune off any annoying branches
Whether it's a low branch that interferes with the road or a tall branch that harms telephone lines, hits the roof, or hangs over your home. You've made the right move if you're pruning all the branches that are causing some of these disturbances.
Step 6. Prune the branches to form a tree
If you like a tree that is rounder or more attractive, prune some branches that appear to be sticking out at odd angles; doing a little cutting will make a big difference.
Step 7. Trim to a minimum
Every pruning you make will change the tree's protective system, and open it up to possible fungal or insect infestation. Prune only as much as necessary, and do not remove more than 25 percent of the existing branches.
- For most tree species that are shedding leaves, make sure that at least 2/3 of the total live branches remain, though depending on the type of tree. Be careful if there is only one branch left as it will not be enough for a tree to survive.– Removing all the branches will put a lot of stress on the tree.
- Do not do heavy pruning more than once per season. Unless many branches have been broken by strong winds, you don't need to prune more than once as trees need time to heal.
Part 2 of 2: Pruning to Reduce Damage
Step 1. Take out the pruning equipment at the time the tree is dormant (winter)
Pruning the tree during late fall or early winter will reduce stress on the tree as moisture/sap loss is minimized. Pruning during this time is also better for the tree as it is less likely that the resulting "cuts" will be affected by insects or fungi that are known to be active in late fall and early winter.
- The best time to prune trees is after the leaves have fallen. Those conditions indicate that the tree will be dormant until early spring.
- If there are storms at different times of the year that cause branches to break, it's okay to trim the branches as quickly as possible without waiting for winter.
Step 2. Make a cut at the bottom of the branch
Initial cutting does not have to be done on the entire branch. This is done to prevent cracks from getting too close to the trunk when the heavy branches are ready to fall.
Cutting should be done on the side of the branch called the base / neck of the branch. The base of the branch is a small lip of bark from which each branch protrudes. You need to leave the base of the branch intact, so don't cut the branch until it is flush with the main stem
Step 3. Cut the branch a few inches from the trunk
The second cut will be visible through the branch, on the outside of the first cut you made (further away from the trunk). Remove the branches from the area and leave the remaining short pieces.
Step 4. Make precise cuts to remove any remaining short pieces
You can make a new cut that is almost exactly at the base of the stem. This method is a health measure because it provides an opportunity for the tree to recover quickly.
Make sure that you don't actually cut the base/neck of the branch. This part should be left intact
Step 5. Clean your barbershop
While it may not be necessary to disinfect pruning equipment if you avoid cutting away rotting and diseased parts, it may be better and safer to disinfect it by applying alcohol or another household cleaning agent after trimming the affected tree. disease. You should also dip or dab the blades with a disinfected cloth after you have finished cutting a healthy tree, and before moving on to the next tree or shrub. Sometimes disease spreads through dirty barbershop equipment.
Tips
- Carry some isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or other household cleaning agent in a non-reversible container or large enough to dip your trimmer. Pruning easily transmits disease from one tree to another, and the frequency of immersion of the pruning tool (scissors, etc.) can help reduce this risk. This is especially important in the care of a small, densely packed garden.
- Dead or dying branches you can throw away at any time.
- To cut small branches use pruning shears. For medium-sized branches (about 2.54 cm in diameter) use long-handled or short-handled (by pass or anvil) cutting shears. Meanwhile, for branches larger than 5 - 7 cm use a tree saw. Do not use hedge shears to trim trees.
- Check with resources related to gardening activities (for example, working with extension workers) to find out when pruning is appropriate for a particular tree in your geographic area.
Warning
- Always do pruning safely. Wear long-sleeved shirts/shirts, gloves to protect your hands, and safety glasses to prevent various foreign objects that might enter and damage your eyes.
- Prune conifers (fir etc.) carefully, especially if they are used as hedges/borders. Coniferous trees will only sprout from green stems. So, if you trim the conifer trees used for hedges until you can no longer see the green part, then that is your way of delaying the growth of shoots.
- Do not cut the tops of the shade trees. Trimming the tops of the shade trees will make them grow taller. Pruning the tops has a serious relationship with new branch structure/strength and overall plant health. Do not try to adjust the height of a large tree by cutting off the top. Plant another tree as a substitute.
