Pruning

Pruning should be done for specific reasons and results. The main reasons to prune are to direct growth or to maintain health. For trees and large woody shrubs pruning done during the first few years of growth is for shaping.  We prune to direct growth by removing stems and branches that do not structurally contribute to the desired mature shape. For fruit trees pruning is also done to improve the size and quality of the fruit.  Pruning may also be done to maintain shape and size of shrubs and some dwarf trees.

          The other reason to prune is to maintain health.  Winter storms cause damage, branches die back or sometimes they become diseased. Dead, broken, and diseased limbs need to be removed, to keep the trees and woody shrubs healthy.

Late Fall and Early Spring are the ideal times to prune. Most trees and shrubs are in their dormant period during these times and the sap is not running, so cuts are cleaner and pests are not attracted to the sap. Most perennials need to be cut back in the fall, since they die back anyway it is easier and cleaner to do it in the fall versus trying to cut off dead soggy leaves in the spring.

At Bend Pine Nursery we offer expert pruning services.
Our rate:   $50/hr
Call Sarah for an appointment 541-977-8733