Pruning: He Says, She Says

First, Paul says a plant that is a constant source of frustration is, in his judgment, not worth having. So one option is to get rid of it. Otherwise, a look at each plant's needs will lead to a happy, healthy landscape.

The Eckes' rose bush reminds Suz of her grandmother's cottage. Jim thinks it makes their home look like a haunted mansion.

Jim's approach is to cut the roses back a lot, removing several main branches. Suz wants to do small heading-back snips, much like trimming a hedge. In this case, his approach is the way to go, Paul says.

The rose is growing into the wood railing, scratching cars in the driveway and clawing unsuspecting visitors, so it needs to be cut back hard. Pruning the plant back will also enhance security at the front door by clearing the entrance. A good pruning improves air circulation, thereby helping to guard against fungal diseases. The pruning will ultimately invigorate the plant, stimulating new growth.

A vitex and a crape myrtle are battling for space (figure A) in the Eckes' yard. The answer? Pruning selectively, of course. Many trees are pruned to alleviate crossing branches (figure B), remove water sprouts that stick straight up and improve overall shape. In the Eckes' case, pruning also helps reveal the structure of the plant.

Crape myrtles, in general

There's no botanical or horticultural reason to prune crape myrtles the way you often see them done — that is, just lopped off. There is, however, a point to thinning out the tree's dense center and opening up the canopy, which helps promote air circulation.

Olive tree

The Eckes had their 125-year-old olive tree moved to this house when they moved in three years ago. It did well for a while after the transplant, but they feel that something has gone amiss.

The only problem Paul can identify is an overgrowth of tiny suckers at the bottom of the plant (figure C). Removing them will divert energy back into the tree. Happily for Suz, it's a perfect project for hand pruners, and one that she'll have to take on frequently: Sucker pruning is a never-ending battle.