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While proper pruning can heighten the beauty and wellness of your shrubs , common mistakes can conduct to unintended moment . Whether you ’re a novice gardener or have class of experience , it ’s promiscuous to make mistakes that may harm your plants . But , by understanding these common missteps , you ’ll be better equipped to dress with confidence .
Here are 10 mutual pruning erroneousness and how you could keep off them :

1. OVER-PRUNING:
2. PRUNING AT THE WRONG TIME:
Pruning at unfitting fourth dimension can result in fewer flowers or weakened plants . How to avoid : Research the best time to dress each type of bush . As a oecumenical rule , prune spring - flowering bush now after they bloom and summer - flowering shrubs in late wintertime or former give . ( See thisseasonal shrub pruning guidefor more contingent . )
3. USING IMPROPER TOOLS:
obtuse or foul puppet can make jagged cut that invite disease and pests . How to avoid : Always apply keen , clean pruning dick . Regularly sharpen blades and sanitise them with a germicide before and after function to prevent the spread of disease . ( See more onpruning peter . )
4. CUTTING TOO CLOSE TO THE BUD:
Cutting too close can damage the bud , preventing new growth . How to avoid : When make head slice , leave a humble stub ( about ¼ inch ) above the bud to protect it . This encourages healthy unexampled growth from the bud .
5. REMOVING THE BRANCH COLLAR:
Cutting off the offset collar ( the egotistic area where the offset meets the tree trunk or another branch ) can impair the shrub ’s power to callus over and make it more susceptible to disease . How to keep off : Make cuts just outside the branch collar . This helps the shrub callus the wound and recover more effectively .
6. IGNORING PLANT HEALTH:
fail to consider the overall health of the plant can take to increased stress and vulnerability to disease . How to avoid : Before pruning , assess the plant life ’s wellness and ensure its well - watered and not under stress from pests or disease . Healthy plants recover well from pruning .
7. IMPROPER THINNING:
Removing too many inner branch can lead to a sparse , step down anatomical structure and susceptibility to sunscald . How to avoid : Thin selectively , removing only the branch that are necessary to improve gentle wind circulation and light penetration . Avoid creating large break in the canopy .
8. IGNORING PLANT GROWTH HABIT:
Not considering the natural growth habit of the shrub can result in an unnatural frame and poor health . How to avoid : Prune in a way that respects the lifelike shape of the bush . For instance , some bush have a lifelike vase shape , while others farm more upright or spreading .
9. NOT CLEANING UP DEBRIS:
Remove prunign junk promptly , especially pathologic parting and branch . How to fend off : Always clean up and cast away of pruned dust properly . Some debris can be composted ; pathologic materials should be disposed of in fleeceable waste . This help conserve a good for you garden surround and reduces the risk of pests and diseases .
10. INCORRECT WOUND TREATMENT:
apply wound dressing or sealant unremarkably does more damage than unspoiled . How to avoid : In most cases , it ’s best to leave pruning cuts to heal naturally . Avoid using wound dressings unless recommended for specific spot by a master .



