Pruning

Spring is almost here and some trees and shrubs are starting to push new growth here in the Northwest. I’m itching to get my hydrangeas and roses pruned, thin out the branches of my Japanese maples to show off the shape of the trees and give the garden its spring cleanup. Random Acts of Gardening co-blogger Whitney Rideout (you know her as Gardennia nutii) shared this excellent information on tree pruning. Please heed the warning from the last bullet point: Don’t take on the pruning of a large tree if it is beyond your skill. Pruning large trees is dangerous work. Instead of making it a DIY project, please consider hiring a licensed arborist. Here are a few OAN members that offer arbor services: Collier Arbor Care, Home Grown Gardens, Landservices Inc., Secret Garden Growers, and The Pacific Resources Group of Lake Oswego.

For more information about tree pruning, check out the Arbor Day Foundation’s young shade tree pruning resources.