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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 :

Pruning Shrub
“Dream Team’s” Portland Garden
Shutterstock.com
New York, NY

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 .

Pruning Shrub
“Dream Team’s” Portland Garden
Shutterstock.com
New York, NY

Pruning Shrub
“Dream Team’s” Portland Garden
Shutterstock.com
New York, NY

Pruning Shrub
“Dream Team’s” Portland Garden
Shutterstock.com
New York, NY

Pruning Shrub
“Dream Team’s” Portland Garden
Shutterstock.com
New York, NY