What Is Pruning ?

Pruning is the cutting back of a plant. It can be carried out in several ways and for many reasons. For instance, the removal of diseased, dead or damaged branches will prevent the spread of disease and ensure the health of your plants.

Fruit trees in particular require appropriate maintenance to remain disease free and productive. By removing weak growth and keeping the centre of a tree open, you ensure strong growth and enough light to ripen fruit reaches the middle of the plant. Proper circulation of air around and through the plant also protects against diseases being able to settle.

Pruning you trees correctly also means preventing infection entering the plant through pruning cuts. By applying a specially formulated sealer, such as Tree Stac, you can be sure your plants are protected not only from moisture loss and infection but weather conditions also.

What can you prune?

Bush Roses
Remove overcrowding and weak growth, cutting back to an outward facing bud.

Citrus
Very little pruning required. Thin out branches after fruiting if overcrowded.

Deciduous Fruit Trees
Prune in winter to an open centred vase shape. Diseased wood, ingrowing branches and weak overcrowded growth should be removed.

Eucalyptus
Prune after flowering.

Grape Vines
Train the two strongest growing canes along wires. As fruit is borne on one year old wood it is essential not to cut back too hard when pruning.

Melaleuca
Prune after flowering.

Nerium Oleander
Prune after flowering

Passionfruit
A very vigorous growing plant, cut back after fruiting if too dense, to allow air circulation.

Weeping Ornamentals
Correct pruning is very important in the first few years to create desirable shape. Ask your local nursery for advice.