Tawny Renaud

Stephanie Tucker

March 23-25, 2018

Landscape Maintenance Blog

Dead dying diseased

When pruning shrubs and trees, we began by locating the dead, dying and diseased throughout the plant. If a limb falls within this category, it is not providing any benefit to the tree and should be removed. If the limb is a significant size, a 3-cut method should be used to prevent tearing of healthy bark around the cut. After eliminating any damaged or diseased limbs, we began removing branches that were causing an uneven appearance or rubbing against other branches. On the Pyramidal Oaks outside A building, we had to remove a very long branch that was growing almost horizontal across the tree. Since this tree looks best in its upright, pyramidal form, we removed this branch. Removing crossing or rubbing branches also helps increase light and air flow in the tree; intended to improve the health of the tree and encourage new growth.

Use of 3-cut method

We decided to perform a 3 step cut on many of the large branches we were removing from trees around campus. If the branch was significant in length, we started by removing any sub branches that would reduce the weight of the limb. When the branch became a manageable length we were able to perform a 3-cut method; used to prevent tearing underneath the limb. Beginning on the underside of the branch, make a cut a couple feet from the branch collar. The cut should go through approximately half of the branch. The second cut will be made above the first cut, removing that portion of the branch. From here, the remaining piece of the branch can be removed at the branch collar.

It is very important that the cut is made properly; not flush with the tree, but also not leaving too much of the branch remaining. Cutting too closely to the tree can prevent it from healing itself properly which can lead to disease or death. Cutting too far away from the branch collar can also have a similar effect. It is difficult for the tree to heal the area efficiently, and the cut may eventually lead to disease or death. That being said, using proper pruning techniques can help you avoid any of these problems.

Honeysuckle

We were not sure how to prune this plant, but were able to find enough information on google to perform the task. We found mixed results on when this plant should be pruned, but concluded that heavy pruning should be performed in the winter months. The plants ended up needing some thinning by taking out older branches, and also some tipping back on the top to help with form. This is an important part of being a horticulturist. Being unsure of what you should do with a plant is a problem you will run into, but being able to research something can eliminate the issue of not knowing.