|
For our August meeting we were given a lively and interesting talk by Mr Peter Spriggs on the mysteries of pruning.
Why Prune ?
He said there were a number of reasons for pruning a plant, some of these being; to cut out the old and diseased wood, or branches that were rubbing together; to mantain or improve the shape of the shrub or tree, or to maximise the amount of fruit or flowers that would be produced during the year. If the plant did not need any of these things done to it, leave it alone!
How Much?
As well as not pruning at all, too much pruning can also be bad for a plant. The plant is a living thing and will suffer stress if part of it is damaged (or cut if you are pruning) and too much stress will likely cause it's death.
Overgrown hedges that need serious reshaping and maybe reducing in height should only be heavily cut back on one side (or the top) in a season. The hedge should then be given a feed and a rest so it can recover before the next year when the other side, or the top can be cut back. Doing it all at once in the same year may well cause too much of a shock.
If it is a tree that is being heavily pruned then only one third of the branches should be done in a year, for the same reasons as before.
Time to Prune
When should you do it? It depends upon when it flowers or fruits! Generally, August is a good time to prune, cutting back flowers and plants can stimulate new growth.
Tools
We were then shown a variety of tools and the importance was stressed of keeping the tools clean and sharp.
A Practice
After his talk the speaker gave the audience a chance to try out the knowledge thay had gained by marking where they would make pruning cuts, on one of various shrub diagrams that he distributed in the hall. He then showed us the correct way.
|
|
