The appearance of a properly pruned tree is like a good hair cut: hardly noticeable at first glance.

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The appearance of a properly pruned tree is like
a good hair cut hardly noticeable at first
glance.
Arboricultural Pruning

• Original Power Point Created by
• Dr. Teri Hamlin
• May, 2002
• Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education
  Curriculum Office
• June, 2002

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• Pruning at Planting
• If its a quality tree, pruning is not necessary
• Do not prune to compensate for root loss
• latest research shows pruning does not help
  overcome transplant shock

Never cut main branches of tree back to stubs
(Topping Trees)
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Why Prune

• Removal of dead, broken, diseased, or
  insect-infested branches
• Maintain desired shape size
• Promote healthy vigorous growth
• Promote flowering fruiting

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Pruning Tools
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Pruning Technique

• Shearing vs. Thinning

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Making the Cut
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Pruning Young Trees

• A. Remove suckers
• B. Remove low growing branches that interfere
• C. Remove upright growing shoots
• D. Remove inward growing branches
• E. Remove branches that compete with central
  leader

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Pruning TimeGeneral Rule

• Plants that flower before May
• Prune after bloom
• Azalea, Dogwood, Forsythia, Redbud, Rhododendron,
  Clematis, Saucer Magnolia, Flowering Cherry,
  Climbing roses
• Plants that flower after May
• Prune prior to spring growth
• Camellia, Chaste Tree, Crape Myrtle, Nandina,
  Sweetshrub, Abelia, Sourwood, Floribunda roses

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North Georgia Pruning Time

• January - March
• Broadleaf evergreen
• Needleaf evergreen
• Renewal Pruning
• Large Tree Limbs

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Large Limbs

• A. Make partial cut from underneath
• B. Make a second cut from above several inches
  out
• allows the limb to fall
• C. Complete job with final cut just outside the
  branch collar

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Pruning Limbs
An improper cut made through the branch collar
will take 3x longer to heal