Home Gardener's Pruning (UK Only). David Squire

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      Plant groups and treatments

      Many garden plants benefit from pruning, ranging from shrubs and climbers to apples and raspberries. Here is a broad idea of them, together with the principles of their treatment. Some fruiting types, such as trees and grape vines, have two distinct pruning stages in their lives. The first stage encompasses their formative years, when their structure is being developed; the second stage is when they are established and regularly producing fruits.

       What are the benefits of pruning?

      LARGE TREES

      If, with a new garden, you have inherited a large tree – perhaps an Oak, Ash or Beech – it is more than likely that it has been neglected for many years. These are magnificent trees and if not checked regularly may deteriorate. Heavy snowfalls and strong winds break branches, and unless removed they could be dangerous to you and your neighbors. Some large branches can be cut off in stages (see page 9), but for very large trees it is safer to call in a professional tree surgeon rather than tackle the job yourself.

       Snow tapping

       Damage from snow falling on evergreen shrubs can be reduced by using a Bamboo cane to lightly tap the stems to dislodge snow before it freezes. Take care not to damage leaves.

      BAMBOO CARE

      Heavy falls of snow devastate Bamboos, bending canes at ground level and breaking or distorting them. If left, those that are bent may not recover and the only solution is to cut them down to ground level. However, if the snow can be removed quickly, before it freezes on the leaves, there is every possibility that the canes will recover within a few weeks.

      Incidentally, wear strong gloves when handling the canes as many, when split, have sharp, razor-like edges that soon cut hands.

       Ornamental shrubs

      Weigela

      Shrubs introduce a wider range of flowers than trees and many have a compact nature that suits small gardens. Some flowering shrubs, like Mahonia ‘Charity’ (Holly Grape), flower in winter, while others such as Magnolia stellata bloom in spring. Additionally, Hibiscus syriacus and Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ create magnificent displays in late summer.

      Many shrubs have colored or variegated leaves, while others reveal their glory in berries, such as Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii (Beauty Bush), Pyracanthas and Gaultheria mucronata.

      Shrubs usually need more pruning than trees, and for flowering types this is indicated by the season in which they bear flowers (see pages 14–15 for advice on pruning these shrubs).

       Ornamental trees

      Prunus ‘Kanzan’

      These are varied and include flowering trees such as spring-flowering Cherry trees and early summer-flowering Laburnums. There are also trees with beautifully colored foliage; a good example is Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst,’ with yellow leaves. Then there are trees with colored bark, including Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple), Acer pensylvanicum (Snakebark Maple) and Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch or Canoe Birch), with superbly colored bark that will create interest throughout the year. Additionally, some trees have berries that bring welcome color to winter, which can be a dull period.

      Few of these trees need regular pruning, other than ensuring that branches are not damaged by strong wind or heavy snowfalls. Always make pruning repairs as soon as possible.

       Climbers

      Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’

      These are especially welcome in gardens as they not only create interest through their flowers and leaves but also provide seclusion and privacy. Some climbers have a natural tendency to climb, while others, such as Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter-flowering Jasmine), СКАЧАТЬ