Summary: Pruning trees in and old garden or landscape often times needs to be done drastically. However, drastic pruning does not mean cut with wild abandon. There are some steps to follow for the best pruning results.
Question: Our new house has an “old garden” that needs pruning badly. My husband wants to chop everything to the ground and I think we need to be more selective in our tree pruning. Where should we start? Claire, Danville, VA
Answer: Claire, an old garden often calls for drastic pruning. Begin by cutting out all dead wood; this applies to every kind of plant. After that, discrimination is needed. Remember that when most needle-leaf evergreens are cut back to old wood, they will not put out new growth. Unless it is desired to reshape an evergreen, by checking growth in certain areas, confine pruning to shortening growing shoots.
Deciduous material is different; it will grow from old wood. Sometimes pruning that is not considered good by a professional horticulturist is deliberately practiced by landscape designers to get a desired shape. You will have to use your own judgment a good deal in the treatment of overgrown material in an old garden; so much will depend upon the effect you want to produce.
Prune spring-flowering shrubs immediately after flowering, to allow a season’s growth for next year’s blooms. Prune fall-flowering material in early spring. Always use sharp pruning shears (I prefer Felco pruning shears), and make clean slanting cuts between buds. Cut weak shoots harder (farther back) than strong shoots. If you are in doubt about a precious plant, get the advice of a local expert. Always work cautiously at first, survey the effect, and then cut some more.
If you are transplanting, cut all broken or bruised roots cleanly, and shorten ones that are too long for the hole. When crowded evergreens from a foundation planting have to be moved, it is usually wise to pay a nurseryman to do it.
