Pruning Tips For Home Gardeners
Pruning is a regular, ongoing activity that helps keep plants healthy and attractive. Pruning consists of selectively removing stems from trees, shrubs and perennials for aesthetic, structural and functional reasons. Some of the most common objectives include improving a plant’s shape and structure, controlling size, enhancing flower and fruit production, and providing clearance for structures, traffic, and views. Other goals can include opening up vistas and repairing damage caused by storms or by wind and snow. Pruning also can help reduce the risk of disease and insect infestation, as well as improve air circulation and light penetration throughout a plant’s crown. The first and most important thing to know about pruning is that it should always be done for a reason. This helps you make sound decisions about what branches to remove, where to cut and when to prune. Pruning with a purpose can save time and money in the long run, as well as protect against expensive mistakes like topp