The air was thin and brittle, like paper.  It sliced through flesh, wrinkled with every breath, and crumpled under foot. It was as if nature had been wrapped in a thin layer of cellophane, restrained and crinkling with every movement.  It was a bitter and unforgiving landscape that stood naked and vulnerable.

Snow-covered ground with scattered footprints and small snow mounds. Long, dark tree shadows stretch across the snow, with sunlight shining and evergreen trees in the background. The scene is quiet and wintry.

And although life and Spring seemed ever distant, Winter gave us an important glimpse into the landscape’s form and framework.

Bare tree branches stretch across a clear, bright blue sky. The tangled limbs create an intricate pattern, suggesting winter or early spring when no leaves are present.

Dormant pruning is a common and important practice in Winter.  Because deciduous plants are leafless, it is easier to see the structure of the tree or shrub.  Further still, disease transmission and insect invasion is greatly reduced, and it’s actually a bit safer as limbs and branches are lighter and easier to handle.  But before you get out the shears or pruners, read through the tips below for optimum, healthy results:

 

Have a Plan:

Get a good look at the plant.  Take a moment to study its shape and have a plan.  The idea is to maintain the natural shape of the plant.

 

Remove the Dead & Diseased:

Remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches regardless of their location within the plant.

 

Remove Suckers & Water Sprouts:

Remove all suckers and water sprouts.  Suckers are straight, unbranched stems that emerge from the base of the tree.  Water sprouts are similar to suckers, yet they grow at right angles to the branches.

 

Maintain Natural Shape of Plant:

Never limb up low branching trees.  Tall plants/shrubs should never be topped off in an effort to make them shorter.

 

Thin Canopies:

Thin the canopy of trees like Hawthorns and Crabapples by working from the center outwards.  Your goal is to increase air circulation.  Remember never to remove more than 1/4 of a plant.

 

Prune Back to Bud or Branch:

Always prune back to a bud or branch.  Never leave open ends and cut just above a bud.

 

Work Patiently:

Work slowly and patiently.  Step back between cuts to assess the shape and structure of the plant.

A tall, leafless tree stands against a cloudy gray sky, surrounded by other bare trees in winter. The branches are thin and spindly, creating an intricate pattern.

Dormant pruning is both essential and beneficial, and Winter allows us to better see the structure and form of the trees and shrubs while putting less stress on the plant.  Reach out to Sweeney’s and schedule your Dormant Pruning today!

Plant of the Week

A bee collects nectar from bright yellow flowers clustered among green leaves on a sunny day.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers

Hello Yellow Milkweed

Bright, cheery yellow flower clusters bloom from early Summer until frost amongst narrow, green foliage.  Prefers full sun and well-drained soil, although will tolerate most soil types.  Grows 18-24″ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.

“Nature looks dead in winter because her life is gathered within her heart.  She withers the plant down to the root that she may grow it up again fairer and stronger…”

-Hugh Macmillan

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney