Reasons to prune trees, shrubs

There are many reasons to prune your trees and shrubs, and this is a good time to start thinking about it. Trees are fully dormant and have been for a few weeks; however, pruning during temperatures below 20 degrees can injure the wood tissue.

Deciduous shade trees can be pruned during any season, but the ideal time would be during dormancy. Spring flowering trees will bloom on last year's wood. With that in mind, prune after the trees have bloomed to maximize flowering. Prune summer flowering trees in the winter or early spring to maximize flowering since they flower on this year's growth.

It is important to do the pruning before dormant sprays are applied to avoid pruning out sprayed wood and discarding it. In addition, you are more likely to get total coverage of limbs, branches and shoots after you have pruned. Prune older trees first as the older, larger wood will tolerates lower temperatures than young trees with small diameter wood.

When a branch grows crossways causing it to rub against and damage the bark of another limb, it is a prime example to be removed. If weather or other factors break or damage limbs, these need to be pruned since damaged or dead limbs are open invitations to insects and disease. When a tree is grafted, remove all sprouts below the graft line as they will not be or bloom true to the type.

Pruning not only aides in the health of the tree, but can also play important roles in your yard's appearance. When a tree becomes too unruly and unbalanced, pruning can be used to improve the tree's overall shape and architecture. Removal of branches which slow the breeze, block a view, keep grass in the shade too long, or interfere with mowing are good practices to follow.

Pruning trees means removing some branches at the leader, not shortening all branches and not topping or shearing off limbs that are making a tree too tall.

As for shrubs, use pruning as a method to remove winter kill, to control size and shape, to encourage fuller branch growth, and to allow more light and air flow. Removing fading flowers and developing seed pods will save energy for next year's growth and flowers.

As a safety precaution, please hire an insured, certified arborist for all hazardous pruning. This includes, but is not limited to, pruning around electric lines and pruning heavy or tall branches that could harm you, bystanders, and other structures.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.