Pruning and Training

There are many different types of shrubs and many different ways of pruning them. Pruning is important for a variety of reasons but mainly to invigorate new growth in a plant as well as to remove dead, diseased or dying growth on a healthy plant. The timing of any pruning is critical depending on the type of plant as well as the ultimate effect which is desired.

Pruning generally stimulates new growth in a plant. Hard pruning produces more vigour in a plant than light prunning therefore this needs to be thought about before attempting to take a blade to the stem or branch. Prune weak growth hard, but strong growth lightly.

Pruning injures the plant and therefore is a place where disease may get into the plant. It is important therefore to use clean, sharp tools and make clean, well placed cuts when pruning.


Plants with alternate or whorled growth buds

Cut just above the bud pointing in the desired direction of growth (typically and outward facing bud which has space to grow into).Use an angled cut which starts opposite a healthy bud and finishes just above the bud. Don't cut too close as the bud may die off. Don't cut too far up the stem from the bud as the stem may die.

Shrubs with opposite buds

Cut straight across the shoot, just above the buds. Both buds should grow which will develop a forking branch framework. Don't cut too close as the bud may die off. Don't cut too far up the stem from the bud as the stem may die.

Do not paint over the ends with wound paint as this is not effective and sometimes actually encourages disease.

The actual cuts alone are not enough to stimulate new growth. Feeding a mulching will help the process along

Formative pruning is the practice of reducing the overall framework of the plant so that all the branches are well developed and grow according to their natural habit, healthily. Deciduous shrubs generally require more formative pruning than evergreen shrubs and should be carried out in the dormant season.  

Decide which plant group your specimen falls into and click the appropriate link to find more information about pruning it.

Bamboos and Grasses
Bonsai
Climbers 
    Clematis Pruning: Montana (Group 1)
    Clematis Pruning: Nelly Moser (Group 2)
    Clematis Pruning: Vittcella (Group 3)
Coppicing
Fan pruning and training (Ornamentals)
Hedges 
Palms and palm-like plants
Pleaching 
Pollarding
Pruning and training standards
Root pruning
Shrubs (Deciduous) 
    Minimal Pruning 
    Pruning in spring after flowering 
    Pruning in summer after flowering
Shrubs (Evergreen)
    Small shrubs (up to 1m)
    Medium shrubs (up to 3m)
    Large shrubs (over 3m)
Shrubs (Roses)
    Standard Roses
    Shrub Roses
    Climbing and Rambling Roses
    Special training
Soft fruit
Trees (Ornamental)
Trees (Fruit)
Topiary
Wall shrubs