Pruning involves cutting back or trimming back branches or buds from plants in order to control growth and shape them to produce strong, healthy trees that look their best while continuing their good growth.
Deciduous trees feature three basic parts in their anatomy: trunk, scaffold branches and secondary branches which grow out from scaffold branches. All branches produce buds at either their tip or sides that connect them directly with one or more terminal bud.
Water sprouts and suckers (branches that emerge from tree roots or trunk) can often be considered undesirable growths, but you can easily trim back such branches back to their main stem or trunk leaving only their collar (a stub that resembles a raised ring around its base).
Young or recently planted trees should not be pruned during their peak spring growth period, as heading a branch back to its bud removes much of its leaf surface, cuts manufacturing power, and may interfere with blooms.
As with any task, pruning should be approached carefully and gradually. Remove diseased or damaged branches as well as crossing and rubbing branches that cross. Crosses that overlap should also be cut back as should any weak or dying limbs growing towards the center of your plant.
Use sharp shears for easy cuts that are clean and precise, then regularly clean them with a solution consisting of one part bleach to nine parts water.
Pruning properly removes weight from a branch while creating a callus that protects its bark from moisture pooling in its wound, thus helping prevent diseases from entering and rot from developing.
