Pruning TreesPruning Trees

•Why do we prune trees?•For the tree’s health•For flowers, foliage, fruit, and stems•For a pleasing shape and size•For safety

Tools Used in PruningTools Used in Pruning

Care of Pruning Tools and EquipmentCare of Pruning Tools and Equipment•P

rovides users with more effective pruning•E

xtends the life of the tool1.W

ipe blades after each use2.C

lean periodically with soap and water

3.Sanitize or disinfect if tools come in contact with diseased wood

4.Keep tools sharp

5.Oil tools often

6.Know how to properly use the tool

7.Use extra caution around utility lines

Deciduous Trees and Shrubs Pruning Schedule

•Have an active growth season in spring and sometimes summer

•Drop leaves in autumn

•Spring-flowering

•Summer-flowering

•Shade

•Fruit

•The best time to prune depends on the plant’s growth and when it flowers

Evergreen Trees and Shrubs Pruning ScheduleEvergreen Trees and Shrubs Pruning Schedule•E

vergreens do not shed leaves like deciduous plants

•No obvious dormant season

•Pruning in winter months reduces sap and resin flow•Broadleaf Evergreens: Prune

before new growth in the spring•Narrowleaf Evergreens (conifers): •Needleleaf: Prune only when the tan

candle is present•Scale-leaf: Prune before new growth in

the spring

Tree StructureTree Structure

Pruning Specific Parts of a TreePruning Specific Parts of a Tree

•Areas for removal:•Dead, diseased, or injured parts•Suckers and limbs that rub together•Branches growing in the center•Parallel branches•Drooping branches

Pruning CutsPruning Cuts

•Three basic cuts for pruning trees:•Drop-crotch•Thinning•Heading

Transplanting StockTransplanting Stock•B

all-and-burlap•B

are-root•C

ontainer•R

ooted cuttings•S

eedlings•In Oklahoma, trees are commonly

planted during their dormant stage: •Early December to March

Transplanting Trees and ShrubsTransplanting Trees and Shrubs•PP

lanting Preparationslanting Preparations•Prepare the soilPrepare the soil•Choose transplanted stock carefullyChoose transplanted stock carefully•Plant trees and shrubs at correct depthPlant trees and shrubs at correct depth

•CCare of transplanted Trees and Shrubsare of transplanted Trees and Shrubs•Water plants regularlyWater plants regularly• Supplement with fertilizer Supplement with fertilizer

if neededif needed•Prune young treesPrune young trees

MulchingMulching•T

he spreading of mulch over the soil•R

ecommended when planting outdoors to reduce maintenance and promote healthy plant growth

•Conserves moisture by reducing evaporation•Reduces compacting of a soil•Helps soil maintain a constant

temperature•C

an be either organic or inorganic