Tree Care Myth-Busting: Pruning
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Linda Chalker-Scott
Extension Specialist and Professor
Washington State University
Puyallup
Abstract
Homeowners and landscape professionals alike are interested in proper pruning techniques for their trees and shrubs. Hundreds of popular books and online resources present confusing and conflicting pruning instructions, many of which are not science-based. We reviewed the current, science-based literature on pruning woody plants. In this presentation, we begin by explaining how woody plant physiology predicts tree and shrub responses to pruning, both in the short- and long-term. We then dispel some common pruning myths that increase the risk injuring or killing trees. These include
- heading back young trees,
- retrenchment pruning,
- pruning at a 45-degree angle, and
- sterilizing pruning tools.
Finally, we present a set of science-based recommendations designed to preserve tree and shrub health while maximizing homeowner satisfaction.
Authors: A.J. Downer, Linda Chalker-Scott
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A.J. Downer Farm Advisor, University of California, California, 93003
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Linda Chalker-Scott Extension Specialist and Professor, Washington State University, Washington, 98371