Proper Pruning Techniques
Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-1307 -- More Projects »
Pruning is an important part of a plant's upkeep, but unless done properly it can cause more harm than good. Master gardener Paul James shares tips on making effective pruning cuts.
It all starts with the equipment. There are two basic pruners: anvil and bypass. Anvil pruners (figure A) have a sharp upper blade which snaps down onto the blunt, lower anvil piece, while bypass pruners operates more like scissors. It's the kind of cut these pruners make that is critical to the plant. Anvil pruners, especially dull ones, can crush wood so it won't heal properly post-cut. Sharp bypass pruners make cleaner cuts, provided they are used correctly.
Improper cuts include those made too far away from the bud (figure B), those that extend below the bud (figure C) and cuts angling toward the bud (figure D). When pruning, it's important to identify which buds to cut. Pruning buds that face toward the inner part of the plant will result in new vegetation growing toward the plant's center, making it denser. Aim to prune just above those buds facing away from the plant's interior so new growth will fan outward from the plant.
A proper cut should be made slightly above, and angled slightly away, from a bud (figure E). Following proper pruning techniques mean your plants will heal properly and the bud or buds below the cut will develop new, healthy shoots.
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