Gardening with the Plant Haus 2

Get ready to Prune

by Trena Cullins

Winter months are the best for pruning and shaping up your landscape. January and February, usually our coldest months, means trees and shrubs are at their most dormant stage. This also means that most pests are hibernating and less likely to infect fresh-cut wounds.

Most fruit trees benefit from pruning into a wine glass shape. This allows the major scaffold limbs to become strong enough to support fruit. Prune established fruit trees to encourage horizontal growth and remove any limbs that are growing downward. Be sure to remove dead wood at any time of the year. Shrubs also benefit from pruning dead wood and shaping for the growing season. All perennials should be pruned as well. And most evergreens should be shaped now. Don’t remove more than forty percent of growth but do remove any dead wood.

Avoid “Crape Murder!” Every year people commit this heinous act. Do not top your crape myrtles! This does not prevent your tree from growing tall. Instead, it causes long, stringy shoots, knobby trunks, and ultimately untimely death. Remember—only trim branches no larger than your pinky. Most small dead twigs can be removed at any time. Seed heads can be trimmed after blooming for quicker reblooming. You’ll be greatly rewarded in the spring and summer by taking these steps now.

Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Trena Cullins (#4985) has been with The Plant Haus 2 for twenty years. Trena and her experienced staff have the knowledge to serve your gardening needs. 604 Jefferson, Kerrville. 830-792-4444.

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