Landscape Pruning

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

It has been a long, hard, and cold winter for Carroll County.  With the snowy and icy weather we have experienced this week, the beginning of March has certainly lived up to the age-old saying, "in like a lion."  Let us all hope it will go "out like a lamb."

Believe it or not, spring really is on the way, causing homeowners to begin turning their attention to the landscape.

To ensure healthy spring plants, consider pruning trees and shrubs around the home that have been affected by the weather.  However, do not prune just for the sake of pruning--be sure to have a valid reason.

Get Prepared to Prune

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

As spring approaches, many homeowners begin to think about their yard's landscape.  To ensure healthy spring plants, now is the time to start thinking about pruning the trees and shrubs around the home.  However, do not just prune for the sake of pruning, make sure you have a valid reason for pruning before you begin.

The winter months can be damaging to trees and shrubs.  Pruning during the late winter months allows for the removal of damage caused by winter winds and precipitation.  The wounds caused by pruning heal most quickly this time of year just as new growth is emerging on the plant.

Pruning also allows removal of diseased, crowded, or hazardous branches.  When pruning trees, the size of the tree does not need to be reduced too much in one season.  Limit the pruning amount to one-fourth of the tree's volume.  Start by thinning out branches by cutting them off close to the tree's trunk or a large limb.