News from Miller Hardware

Pinching or Pinch Pruning - This is the least practiced form of pruning, even though it is probably one of the most effective. This is usually done by hand and only the tender young shoots are removed or reduced. Pinching is a good way to control the size of the plant and is done whenever you walk by the shrub or tree.

Thinning - This involves completely removing some of the old braches to the ground or from the main trunk. Cutting out up to a third of the older branches will not only stimulate new growth, but it will lower the overall height of the plant. This method will also force the plant to put out new growth near the base and prevent them from having a leggy appearance. If this is done on a yearly basis, it will help keep plants from becoming too tall and will conform to the plants natural branching habit.

Heading back - Here, we are cutting only a portion of a branch back to a good bud or lateral branch. Making several heading back cuts at different heights will open the plant to more sunlight and air circulation. This will reduce the problems with diseases and insects. If you cut properly, you will never leave a stub. Make your cut about Ľ inch above an active bud or lateral branch. As you prune the plants in your landscape, a combination of both thinning and heading back cuts are usually necessary.

Please refrain from the habitual mutilating of Crape Myrtles by cutting off the top branches of the tree. For some unknown reason this has become common practice in the last twenty years or so for homeowners and landscape crews. There is no logical reason to continue with this "Crape Murder".

Pruning Tips:

If you have any questions or would like more information about specialty pruning of topiaries, espaliers, roses, fruit trees and vines, ornamental grasses, hedges, perennials, half hardy plants, or repairing injuries, stop by and talk to our friendly staff at Seasons Garden Center.