Correct Pruning Aids Environment

People think they are pruning a tree to maintain a manageable size and to encourage flower development, but it only weakens the tree’s structure. If you’re pruning a tree to keep it at a 10-foot height instead of letting it reach its mature 35 feet, you have the wrong tree.

Correct pruning benefits the environment in the following ways:

Removing crowded or crossing branches allows air and light to reach the interior portions of the plant. This light and air circulation cuts down on mildew and fungus growth. It also cuts down on the shelter for pests. When you reduce the chance of pests and diseases attacking plants, you reduce the need for pesticides and fungicides, which helps the water quality.

Pruning stimulates a plant to grow, which cuts down on the need for fertilizers. Again, this helps maintain water quality because fertilizers result in algae buildup in waterways.

Spring blooming trees and shrubs - azalea, dogwood, camellia, forsythia, rhododendron and the Bradford pear - should be pruned after they bloom but before July. Prune them before they bloom and you will destroy their beauty.