The Art of Pruning Ornamental Plants

Why Prune?Pruning serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it controls plant size and shape; removes dead, diseased, and crossing wood; improves air circulation (reducing disease); stimulates vigorous new growth; and in many cases dramatically improves flowering and fruiting. Understanding what you are trying to achieve with each cut is the foundation of good pruning technique.The Three Ds: Always FirstStart every pruning job by removing the three Ds: Dead wood, Diseased wood, and Damaged/crossi…