With the warming temperatures and melting snow it looks like spring may come early this year. 

 

I have noticed that gardeners are beginning to get anxious because we have already been receiving questions on when and how to prune trees and shrubs.

 

It is still too early to prune as you want to wait until the buds of the tree/shrub begin to swell before you begin pruning. You can however begin to get things ready to prune so when the time arrives you are ready to get the chore done.

 

If you plan on doing your own pruning you can get your tools ready by sharpening them, making sure that they are well lubricated, cleaned and disinfected so that diseases will not be passed to other trees/shrubs. If you need to purchase new tools for pruning they are becoming available now at the garden center. Choose tools that are of high quality as these will last and give you the best results.                                                                                                                         

 

Hand pruners are used on branches that are no thicker than ¾ inch. Lopping shears are the long handled pruners, and these can come as ordinary ones that cut branches up to 1 ¼ inch and then there are the heavy duty, double action and ratchet type that can cut up to 2 inches. Pruning saws are used for heavier branches 2 inches and larger. Similar to a carpenter saw but the teeth are set different and it cuts on a “pull” and a “push”. Also available are the long handle loppers, and saws and the loppers and pruners with the extended handles which are great because they can be adjusted for the job. If you have a hedge to shear you can use hedge shears as this makes the job go quicker and it does an even job.

 

It is important to know what you are doing when you are pruning and if you are unsure you should attend the pruning course offered each spring, (date will be announced at a later date, depending on weather) or hire a professional who is a qualified, certified arborist or tree pruner. When hiring a professional ask for credentials, experience and references. Ask questions and get an estimate. Have a contract that states specific work that needs to be done, the price charged and what will be done with the trimmings after the job has been done. Will the trimmings be removed or will the landowner look after the cleanup?

 

Although it is still too early to begin pruning it is certainly not too early to begin researching and getting ready.

 

You want to make sure that you know what you are doing because it takes a long time for a tree to grow and a very short time to disfigure or damage it!