Comments on: Winter Pruning Pointers

By: Mathilde Anna Turner

Mathilde Anna Turner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:37:02 +0000

I have an evergreen rocket (straight up growth tree)this past winter we had some snow the weight caused the branches to bend down. I looked at it, if cut, would make it bare. I thought if I use ties or string and loosely string it to the main bark will that help it form back into shape and strengthen the branches?

By: Plant Clinic

Plant Clinic — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:12:05 +0000

#9 For Sue Woltman

Oak-leaved hydrangea flowers on the old wood so buds are already set for this year. Be aware snipping the ends of each branch will remove the flowers, but sometimes its better to forfeit a few flowers to get the plant back into shape.

By: Sue Woltman

Sue Woltman — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:38:52 +0000

Is it too late to prune my Oak Leeaf Hydrangeas???Will I sacrifice the flowers for this summer???

\Thanks!

By: Don Samuelsen

Don Samuelsen — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:44:12 +0000

Willow species make a difference. willows are poor compartmentalizers and fast growers. Sometimes they can be maintained as basal sprouts, like French Pussy willow. Properly pruned willows do better when pruned just before spring.

Ed Gilmans new pruning book will be out in August and should be worth owning. I usually make less and larger cuts on tree like willow. Send a photo of the willow you would like to prune.

Don

By: D Derfiny

D Derfiny — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:50:43 +0000

What is the best time of the year to prune late-winter type bush/trees, such as pussy willows? What started out as a relatively small shrub in only 2 years has grown more tree like, now extending upwards of 10-12′. I would like to bring it down to a more reasonable height (eg. 6-8′) but am not sure when the best time to prune. Any recommendations, please?

By: Plant Clinic

Plant Clinic — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:44:56 +0000

Hi, Heidi:

Normally we don’t recommend the use of pruning paints unless you have pruned a Dutch Elm Disease-susceptible elm or an oak (they are susceptible to oak wilt) during the growing season. However, the wound has sealed itself off by now and will no longer be attracting the beetles that spread oak wilt. This coming growing season, watch for signs of oak wilt such as wilting branches. If you see symptoms of oak wilt, call a certified arborist to diagnose the problem. Keep the tree as healthy as possible by watering it during dry periods and keep it properly mulched.

By: Heidi

Heidi — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:56:04 +0000

A massive limb from one of our burr oaks “dropped” off last summer, and our tree service did not paint the huge wound. This contradicts your position. What is your advice for us? thank you!

By: Plant Clinic

Plant Clinic — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:51:29 +0000

You’re right, John, it’s best to prune redbuds right after they flower. The rule of thumb is that, generally, most trees and shrubs are best pruned in late winter to early spring, but spring flowering trees and shrubs can be pruned just after they flower. That way you get to enjoy those spring blooms!

By: John

John — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 03:10:48 +0000

When’s the best time to prune a redbud tree? I thought it was in early summer after it blooms — not winter. True?

By: kjaros

kjaros — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:26:00 +0000

Hello, Mary,

The link is working, and here it is:

http://treetalk.mortonarb.org/areas-of-interest/backyard-arboretum/winter-pruning-pointers/342/

Not sure why it did not come up for you. Hope the info is helpful.

Karin Jaros