Sharpen your pruners because it is that time of year again to prune many of your deciduous trees and shrubs, and to help you, we are holding the annual tree pruning clinic this weekend. On Saturday April 2, at 9:30 a.m and Sunday April 3, at 1:00 p.m the Prince George Art Knapp Plantland in College Heights (Kimball Road) location will hold 2 pruning clinics for anyone who is interested in learning the basics on how to prune.

 

There is a $10.00 fee that will be donated to the 'Kordyban Cancer Lodge'. A professional pruning person along with myself will be on hand to show you how to prune, what to prune, and when to prune , and to answer any questions that you may have after the session. This is a good opportunity for local homeowners as we will go through the steps to show you on trees and shrubs in the nursery on how it is done.

 

Pruning is a vital part in keeping trees and shrubs healthy, productive, and looking uniform in shape and size. Removing dead, damaged, diseased, unproductive branches, as well as any branch that crosses or rubs against an other branch would be the first cuts. Also keeping the centre of the tree/shrub open for good air ventilation is important in controlling fungus related diseases.

 

Pruning is also done to improve a plant’s appearance. If it is growing lopsided the thinner side is pruned to encourage new growth, any wayward branches are trimmed back, and on some decorative shrubs such as the red twig dogwood, one-third of the oldest twigs are removed to encourage new brightly coloured twigs.

 

Not every tree and shrub is pruned in the spring or needs  to be pruned on a yearly basis. Most evergreens, with the exception of broadleaved evergreens such as rhododendrons, and azaleas, are pruned after the new growth appears and early flowering shrubs are pruned after they have finished blooming. Birch, Maples, and Walnuts are pruned in the summer when the sap has stopped flowing; to prune them in the spring could seriously harm them. If you are not sure cut a small branch first to see whether it bleeds or not.

 

It is always important to use clean, proper tools. Pruners should be sharp to make a clean angled cut, and they should be disinfected with a mild solution of bleach and water, to stop any chance of disease spreading.

 

Eliminating disease and pests are other factors in a tree/shrubs health. With the decrease of available chemicals to fight pest and disease homeowners need to become more proactive in preventing disease and pests from starting so that they do not have to try and fix a problem.

 

A great way to prevent a problem is to apply 'lime sulphur and dormant oil' to deciduous trees and shrubs in the spring before they break into leaf following the instructions on the container. Lime sulphur and dormant oil will help eliminate any overwintering insects and disease. You also want to keep trees and shrubs healthy throughout the season by giving them nutrients, and moisture so that they can fight off any problems.

 

Trees and shrubs that were wrapped, tied or given some extra winter protection should now have it removed. The warming temperatures and poor air circulation could cause fungus and rot to occur which is not good for a plants health.

 

Any plants or bulbs that are near a building foundation or under an overhang may need to be given water as the soil could be dry. When you get the pruners out from the basement, grab the hose too!

 

 

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George: