pruning / hedge trimming
To maintain the integrity and scale of the landscape design, regular
and correct pruning will keep your shrubs and trees healthy, vigorous
and prevent potential problems. Knowledge is the key to proper maintenance.
On staff our landscape architect and arborist can perform: pruning of
fruit trees to bear larger crops and ward off diseases
pruning of flowering shrubs to promote increase blossoming and maintain
its’ desirable size pruning of branches to guide it’s structure so that
at maturity the branches are strong and resist storm damage.
When to Prune
Woody plants are dormant late winter and in the early spring. This is the time of year to examine the structural arrangement of the branches of deciduous trees and shrubs to plan pruning strategies. Never prune after the leaves emerge. Stored energy has powered the initiation and expansion of the new foliage but the leaves have not yet begun to accumulate food to replenish the supply. The tissue beneath the bark is also soft during the spring growth and it is easy to tear the bark when pruning.
Using good judgment and in moderation, some pruning can be done at any time. Dead and dying branches, suckers and water sprouts should be removed as soon as they become apparent. Pinching and small cuts guide growth without removing too much plant material and can be done any time the plant is growing. Removing stragglers and branches that are out of line during the growing season, won’t do any harm
If you have the interest and desire to do pruning but require some training, think about taking one of my workshops.
courses and seminars
Alex Pol is a well-known speaker throughout the Durham Region. He talks to audiences at garden shows and garden clubs. He likes to share his experience and expertise with every one so they too can enjoy their garden.
During the summer, Alex and the Oshawa Garden Club jointly organize pruning courses for groups of 15 – 20 people. It is a “hands on” course in the gardens of some of the participating individuals. He will show you the basis of pruning, the different kinds of tools and how to use them properly. During the course he makes every attempt to ease your fears and make you comfortable with the handling of sharp tools. The course is designed for newcomers to the garden world as well as those seasoned gardeners that want to improve on their gardening/pruning techniques.
For more information please contact Linda Wylie at the Oshawa Garden Club 905-723-5557