Pruning: Not For The Novice

Late winter-early spring is an excellent time to handle one of the more complicated garden chores: pruning.

Though most of us are aware that maintaining the integrity and appearance of trees and shrubs requires a great deal of knowledge and skill, there are still some who regard pruning as a simple task involving dismembering trees with a chain saw. This may sound harsh, but unfortunately it’s true. The evidence of butchered trees and shrubs is easy to spot during the winter months.

The sad thing is, it’s not just homeowners who are attacking the plants, it’s also the so-called professional pruners. Many of these companies may have good intentions, but they don’t have the slightest idea how to prune.

So how can we stop plant defacing? Where do we go to find a reputable arborist?

Start with the arborists listed in the phone book. Don’t place too much emphasis, though, on the glitz of the ad. Look, instead, for what the ad tells you about the company: number of years in business, professional affiliations, licenses, certification, etc. Above all, avoid companies that advertise topping of trees.

When meeting the arborist, ask to see professional credentials such as a current certificate of liability. Ask for local references and make sure you take the time to check out the quality of his or her work and level of service.

Don’t be lured by a bargain and don’t pay more than a third of the fee in advance. Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed and exactly what is to be done.

Since climbing spikes damage trees, insist that they be used only if the tree is to be cut down. And if the arborist advises cutting a tree down, you may want to get a second opinion. Trees are very valuable to our gardens and to our community.

The main reason we prune is for the health of the plant. Before you take the saw or loppers to them, please take the time to learn proper pruning techniques or hire only certified professionals.

Books in review

The Rodale so-called bibles on organic gardening — “The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening” and “How to Grow Vegetables & Fruits by the Organic Method” — are being reissued. Both books have been out of print for more than 15 years.

The new editions remain unchanged. Not a word has been altered and the nostalgic covers are reminiscent of the years in which they were originally published.

In the greenhouse

It’s time to awaken the overwintering geraniums and get them growing. First, submerge the roots for a few hours in a bucket of warm water. One by one, lift the plants from the bucket, allowing the roots to dangle straight down, untangling them if needed.

With scissors, cut the roots straight across, leaving them about 4 inches long. Then, prune all the stems to within 4 to 6 inches of the would-be soil line. Stems that don’t look healthy should be removed entirely.

Now plant the geraniums in pots large enough to hold the root systems. Water the soil to settle it around the roots.

Geraniums require bright light and cool temperatures. Place them in an east- or south-facing window in a cool room. Keep them barely moist and give them an occasional shot of fertilizer.

Mark your calendar A workshop titled “Landscape Trees Suitable for Our Region” will be offered by the Kootenai County Extension in Coeur d’Alene from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday Also on the workshop schedule is “Growing Orchids as a Hobby,” March 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The fee for each workshop is $5 and they will be held at the Kootenai County Extension office, 106 E. Dalton in Coeur d’Alene. For more information and to register for the classes, please call the Kootenai Extension at (208) 667-6426.