Get Ready to Prune!

Spring cleaning isn’t just for the house.  It’s also for the garden, where trees and shrubs that weren’t pruned in autumn may require a bit of attention. 

Since good pruning should enhance the natural shape of any tree or shrub, it’s helpful to prune plants in early spring, prior to them leafing out.  Most plants can be pruned in early spring; note these few exceptions:

• Birch
• Maple
• Grape Vines
• Spring blooming shrubs – Double Flowering Plum, Lilac, etc.

Pruning:

1.    Remove any dead or damaged branches along with any branches that look bad (for example are growing down instead of up or are crossing other branches etc.).

2.    To rejuvenate older shrubs or contain the size of fast growing shrubs, remove up to 1/3 of old branches.

Ensure you use a quality pair of pruners such as Felco or Corona.  These lightweight pruners have strong blades for consistent cuts, and best of all have a lifetime guarantee. 

For more pruning information pick up a copy of Pruning in Alberta; this handy guide reveals everything you need to know about pruning trees and shrubs in Alberta.  Produced by Alberta Agriculture, only $5.99.  Available at local garden centres.