Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main goal of pruning pear trees?
What is the main goal of pruning pear trees?
How many scaffold branches should be aimed for when training a pear tree?
How many scaffold branches should be aimed for when training a pear tree?
What should be done with vigorous shoots that compete with secondary scaffolds during the first dormant season?
What should be done with vigorous shoots that compete with secondary scaffolds during the first dormant season?
Which technique should be used when pruning peach and nectarine trees in their first and second years?
Which technique should be used when pruning peach and nectarine trees in their first and second years?
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What is the recommended height to head a cherry tree when planting?
What is the recommended height to head a cherry tree when planting?
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What should be done with vigorous shoots during the third and fourth years of peach tree development?
What should be done with vigorous shoots during the third and fourth years of peach tree development?
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What is the effect of excessive pruning of young trees?
What is the effect of excessive pruning of young trees?
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What characterizes an established tree's pruning needs?
What characterizes an established tree's pruning needs?
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What is the optimal approach when heavy pruning is required?
What is the optimal approach when heavy pruning is required?
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What is the main risk of excessive nitrogen application in trees?
What is the main risk of excessive nitrogen application in trees?
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Which method should be used to reduce shading in trees?
Which method should be used to reduce shading in trees?
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What is the purpose of heading when cutting a limb or shoot?
What is the purpose of heading when cutting a limb or shoot?
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What is the recommended height for head back young peach or nectarine trees?
What is the recommended height for head back young peach or nectarine trees?
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What cutting angle is recommended when performing heading cuts?
What cutting angle is recommended when performing heading cuts?
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What is the consequence of cutting with an angle that is too steep?
What is the consequence of cutting with an angle that is too steep?
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What should not be done once a tree's framework has developed?
What should not be done once a tree's framework has developed?
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When should thinning cuts be used?
When should thinning cuts be used?
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What are the consequences of severe pruning on fruit quality?
What are the consequences of severe pruning on fruit quality?
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What is a consideration when selecting a branch for thinning?
What is a consideration when selecting a branch for thinning?
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What percentage of shading does a 20' tall tree produce?
What percentage of shading does a 20' tall tree produce?
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Which cutting technique is characterized by reducing the number of new shoots?
Which cutting technique is characterized by reducing the number of new shoots?
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What can excessive vegetative growth due to nitrogen cause in fruit?
What can excessive vegetative growth due to nitrogen cause in fruit?
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What is a potential drawback of improper head cutting?
What is a potential drawback of improper head cutting?
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What benefit does properly performed heading cuts provide to branches?
What benefit does properly performed heading cuts provide to branches?
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What is the best time to prune hedges before they leaf out?
What is the best time to prune hedges before they leaf out?
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Which of the following hedges can withstand severe pruning?
Which of the following hedges can withstand severe pruning?
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What is the recommended height for young trees or shrubs when establishing a deciduous hedge?
What is the recommended height for young trees or shrubs when establishing a deciduous hedge?
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Which tool is suggested as the best all-around option for trimming hedges?
Which tool is suggested as the best all-around option for trimming hedges?
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Why might electric trimmers be less effective on certain hedges?
Why might electric trimmers be less effective on certain hedges?
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During the first two years of hedge growth, what is the recommended action in terms of pruning?
During the first two years of hedge growth, what is the recommended action in terms of pruning?
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What is the desired shape for a well-maintained hedge?
What is the desired shape for a well-maintained hedge?
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What should be done to hedges in very poor shape after pruning?
What should be done to hedges in very poor shape after pruning?
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What is the consequence of frequent trimming on a plant's growth?
What is the consequence of frequent trimming on a plant's growth?
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What is recommended to do before new growth begins?
What is recommended to do before new growth begins?
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What is one effect of trimming on the top of a plant?
What is one effect of trimming on the top of a plant?
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Which action is suggested to improve plant health?
Which action is suggested to improve plant health?
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What should be avoided to prevent hindered growth?
What should be avoided to prevent hindered growth?
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How does frequent trimming influence lower leaves?
How does frequent trimming influence lower leaves?
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What is a likely outcome of trimming a plant's top?
What is a likely outcome of trimming a plant's top?
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What does trimming do regarding leaf accumulation?
What does trimming do regarding leaf accumulation?
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A spur is a type of shoot that typically bears flower buds and often fruit laterally.
A spur is a type of shoot that typically bears flower buds and often fruit laterally.
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Water sprouts are undesirable long shoots that usually grow on the lower side of horizontal limbs.
Water sprouts are undesirable long shoots that usually grow on the lower side of horizontal limbs.
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Pruning can help produce larger flowers and fruit by reducing the amount of wood on a plant.
Pruning can help produce larger flowers and fruit by reducing the amount of wood on a plant.
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Sanitation in pruning includes eliminating healthy wood to prevent disease spread.
Sanitation in pruning includes eliminating healthy wood to prevent disease spread.
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It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.
It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.
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Thinning out a shrub can limit the penetration of light and air, potentially encouraging disease.
Thinning out a shrub can limit the penetration of light and air, potentially encouraging disease.
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Most flowering shrubs bloom on the growth from the previous year.
Most flowering shrubs bloom on the growth from the previous year.
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Cutting wood infected with disease should be done in infected wood to ensure thorough removal.
Cutting wood infected with disease should be done in infected wood to ensure thorough removal.
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Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of origin from the parent stem.
Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of origin from the parent stem.
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A chainsaw is most appropriate for pruning live plant material.
A chainsaw is most appropriate for pruning live plant material.
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Using tools for cutting wires is recommended while pruning.
Using tools for cutting wires is recommended while pruning.
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A lateral side branch can be removed by cutting back to an intersecting branch.
A lateral side branch can be removed by cutting back to an intersecting branch.
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Bow saws work effectively in densely branched plants.
Bow saws work effectively in densely branched plants.
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Keeping cutting edges sharp is not necessary for tool maintenance.
Keeping cutting edges sharp is not necessary for tool maintenance.
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When cutting back to a vigorous bud, it is important to leave a stub over the bud.
When cutting back to a vigorous bud, it is important to leave a stub over the bud.
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There are three types of cuts in pruning, including heading cuts and thinning cuts.
There are three types of cuts in pruning, including heading cuts and thinning cuts.
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Scissor-action shears typically cost less but make cleaner cuts than anvil-cut shears.
Scissor-action shears typically cost less but make cleaner cuts than anvil-cut shears.
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Lopping shears are only capable of cutting branches up to one inch in thickness.
Lopping shears are only capable of cutting branches up to one inch in thickness.
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Pole pruners can be dangerous if cutting materials overhead due to falling debris.
Pole pruners can be dangerous if cutting materials overhead due to falling debris.
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Aluminum poles for pole pruners are heavy but do not conduct electricity.
Aluminum poles for pole pruners are heavy but do not conduct electricity.
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Folding saws are typically safer to use than fixed-blade saws because of their portability.
Folding saws are typically safer to use than fixed-blade saws because of their portability.
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Saw blades can be designed in a curved shape.
Saw blades can be designed in a curved shape.
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Anvil-cut shears do not require the blade to slide past another blade when cutting.
Anvil-cut shears do not require the blade to slide past another blade when cutting.
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Using a saw for delicate work on small shrubs and trees is advisable.
Using a saw for delicate work on small shrubs and trees is advisable.
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Pruning is primarily done to increase the size of a shrub.
Pruning is primarily done to increase the size of a shrub.
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Balled and burlapped (B&B) shrubs require significant pruning immediately after planting.
Balled and burlapped (B&B) shrubs require significant pruning immediately after planting.
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Thinning cuts help in maintaining a shrub's height and width.
Thinning cuts help in maintaining a shrub's height and width.
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To rejuvenate an old shrub, one should remove two-thirds of the oldest branches.
To rejuvenate an old shrub, one should remove two-thirds of the oldest branches.
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Spring-flowering shrubs bloom on the current season's growth.
Spring-flowering shrubs bloom on the current season's growth.
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Gradual-renewal pruning involves cutting a few of the oldest branches back to slightly above ground level each year.
Gradual-renewal pruning involves cutting a few of the oldest branches back to slightly above ground level each year.
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Hand pruning shears, loppers, or a saw should be preferred over hedge shears when pruning shrubs.
Hand pruning shears, loppers, or a saw should be preferred over hedge shears when pruning shrubs.
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Pruning should be done randomly to ensure an even growth pattern in shrubs.
Pruning should be done randomly to ensure an even growth pattern in shrubs.
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Yews need to be sheared only once annually.
Yews need to be sheared only once annually.
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Slow-growing plants should be trimmed when new growth is more than five inches long.
Slow-growing plants should be trimmed when new growth is more than five inches long.
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Faster growing evergreens should be sheared before new growth exceeds two feet.
Faster growing evergreens should be sheared before new growth exceeds two feet.
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Photinia may need to be sheared every four to six weeks.
Photinia may need to be sheared every four to six weeks.
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Plants that accumulate snow require rounded forms.
Plants that accumulate snow require rounded forms.
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Frequent trimming hinders a plant’s natural growth tendency.
Frequent trimming hinders a plant’s natural growth tendency.
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Shearing is only necessary during winter for most evergreens.
Shearing is only necessary during winter for most evergreens.
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Trimming faster growing plants is not recommended during new growth.
Trimming faster growing plants is not recommended during new growth.
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A lopping shear can cut material one-inch in diameter without effort.
A lopping shear can cut material one-inch in diameter without effort.
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Scissor-action shears are generally more affordable than anvil-cut shears.
Scissor-action shears are generally more affordable than anvil-cut shears.
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Pole pruners can be operated with the help of a long piece of cord.
Pole pruners can be operated with the help of a long piece of cord.
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Folding saws are safer when used without any securing mechanism.
Folding saws are safer when used without any securing mechanism.
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Wooden poles for pole pruners are typically lighter than aluminum poles.
Wooden poles for pole pruners are typically lighter than aluminum poles.
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Anvil-cut shears have two sharp blades that slide past each other.
Anvil-cut shears have two sharp blades that slide past each other.
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Saw blades can only be manufactured in a straight configuration.
Saw blades can only be manufactured in a straight configuration.
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When using pole pruners, the risk of falling material is minimized by cutting at eye level.
When using pole pruners, the risk of falling material is minimized by cutting at eye level.
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Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and stiffen the branches.
Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and stiffen the branches.
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Thinning cuts increase the number of new shoots and direct growth.
Thinning cuts increase the number of new shoots and direct growth.
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When performing heading cuts, cutting with a flat angle prevents water from collecting in the cut.
When performing heading cuts, cutting with a flat angle prevents water from collecting in the cut.
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For a successful thinning cut, the branch diameter should be at least one-half that of the branch to be removed.
For a successful thinning cut, the branch diameter should be at least one-half that of the branch to be removed.
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Cutting with an angle that is too steep can enhance healing of the cut area.
Cutting with an angle that is too steep can enhance healing of the cut area.
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Proper branch selection is crucial when making thinning cuts to ensure directed growth.
Proper branch selection is crucial when making thinning cuts to ensure directed growth.
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Water sprouts are beneficial long shoots that promote growth on the lower side of horizontal limbs.
Water sprouts are beneficial long shoots that promote growth on the lower side of horizontal limbs.
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Sanitation in pruning includes sterilizing tools after each cut to prevent disease transfer.
Sanitation in pruning includes sterilizing tools after each cut to prevent disease transfer.
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Removing fruit developing on the central leader helps maintain vigor in the tree’s center.
Removing fruit developing on the central leader helps maintain vigor in the tree’s center.
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Scaffold branches should be kept at a 90° angle from vertical to ensure proper growth.
Scaffold branches should be kept at a 90° angle from vertical to ensure proper growth.
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Thinning cuts are more invigorating than heading cuts.
Thinning cuts are more invigorating than heading cuts.
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It is advisable to spread scaffolds only during the first growing season.
It is advisable to spread scaffolds only during the first growing season.
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Heavier pruning should always be done to the lower portions of a tree.
Heavier pruning should always be done to the lower portions of a tree.
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Good light exposure is essential for the development of flower buds and fruit quality.
Good light exposure is essential for the development of flower buds and fruit quality.
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Water sprouts are desirable shoots that promote vigorous growth.
Water sprouts are desirable shoots that promote vigorous growth.
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After three years, upper scaffolds can be shortened using heading cuts.
After three years, upper scaffolds can be shortened using heading cuts.
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Fruiting limbs of trees do not arch under the fruit load.
Fruiting limbs of trees do not arch under the fruit load.
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Water sprouts arise from the lower side of fruiting limbs.
Water sprouts arise from the lower side of fruiting limbs.
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Minimally pruning evergreen shrubs at planting time is sufficient for their growth.
Minimally pruning evergreen shrubs at planting time is sufficient for their growth.
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Japanese plum trees should not have one-year-old shoots thinned.
Japanese plum trees should not have one-year-old shoots thinned.
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Selecting scaffold limbs with narrow crotch angles is crucial for sweet cherry trees.
Selecting scaffold limbs with narrow crotch angles is crucial for sweet cherry trees.
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Deciduous shrubs bloom on wood that was formed during the previous year.
Deciduous shrubs bloom on wood that was formed during the previous year.
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Pruning can help produce smaller flowers and fruit by increasing the amount of wood on a plant.
Pruning can help produce smaller flowers and fruit by increasing the amount of wood on a plant.
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Prune evergreen shrubs and trees primarily in late winter.
Prune evergreen shrubs and trees primarily in late winter.
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Thinning out is the best way to prune most mature evergreen shrubs.
Thinning out is the best way to prune most mature evergreen shrubs.
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Shearing evergreen shrubs is typically recommended to achieve a more informal appearance.
Shearing evergreen shrubs is typically recommended to achieve a more informal appearance.
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Removing only the healthy wood during sanitation pruning is advised to prevent disease spread.
Removing only the healthy wood during sanitation pruning is advised to prevent disease spread.
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Most flowering shrubs bloom on the wood from the current year.
Most flowering shrubs bloom on the wood from the current year.
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Water sprouts are desirable long shoots that grow on the lower side of horizontal limbs.
Water sprouts are desirable long shoots that grow on the lower side of horizontal limbs.
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Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of origin from the parent stem.
Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of origin from the parent stem.
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Pruning can help produce larger flowers and fruit by increasing the amount of wood on a plant.
Pruning can help produce larger flowers and fruit by increasing the amount of wood on a plant.
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Chainsaws are the best tool for pruning live plant material.
Chainsaws are the best tool for pruning live plant material.
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Hedges are plants set in a row so they merge into a solid ______.
Hedges are plants set in a row so they merge into a solid ______.
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The best all-around tool for trimming hedges is traditional scissor-action ______.
The best all-around tool for trimming hedges is traditional scissor-action ______.
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Heading involves cutting off part of a ______ or limb.
Heading involves cutting off part of a ______ or limb.
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In the first season, you should prune off half of the new ______ to encourage growth.
In the first season, you should prune off half of the new ______ to encourage growth.
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Rejuvenating evergreen hedges is more ______ compared to deciduous ones.
Rejuvenating evergreen hedges is more ______ compared to deciduous ones.
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When removing upward-growing limbs, make ______ cuts.
When removing upward-growing limbs, make ______ cuts.
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Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and ______ branches.
Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and ______ branches.
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The lower branches of a hedge should be wider than the top to prevent ______.
The lower branches of a hedge should be wider than the top to prevent ______.
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Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots and ______ growth.
Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots and ______ growth.
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Electric trimmers often break and tear twigs, making them less effective on ______ varieties.
Electric trimmers often break and tear twigs, making them less effective on ______ varieties.
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Occasionally, hedge plants in very poor shape may not recover and need to be ______.
Occasionally, hedge plants in very poor shape may not recover and need to be ______.
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An angle is good if the branch diameter is at least ______ that of the branch to be removed.
An angle is good if the branch diameter is at least ______ that of the branch to be removed.
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To induce low branching when establishing a deciduous hedge, cut plants back to ______ inches.
To induce low branching when establishing a deciduous hedge, cut plants back to ______ inches.
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Thinning out a shrub can limit the penetration of ______ and air.
Thinning out a shrub can limit the penetration of ______ and air.
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It is advisable to ______ pruning tools after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.
It is advisable to ______ pruning tools after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.
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Cutting wood infected with disease should be done in ______ wood.
Cutting wood infected with disease should be done in ______ wood.
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Reasons for pruning can be grouped into four general categories, including training a plant, maintaining plant health, improving the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage, and ______.
Reasons for pruning can be grouped into four general categories, including training a plant, maintaining plant health, improving the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage, and ______.
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Pruning should begin during a tree’s first growing ______.
Pruning should begin during a tree’s first growing ______.
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Excessive pruning can reduce plant size and does not aid in ______.
Excessive pruning can reduce plant size and does not aid in ______.
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Contrary to common belief, it is not necessary to prune away one-third of a tree’s top growth to compensate for ______.
Contrary to common belief, it is not necessary to prune away one-third of a tree’s top growth to compensate for ______.
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Most flowering shrubs bloom on the growth from the previous ______.
Most flowering shrubs bloom on the growth from the previous ______.
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Sanitation in pruning includes eliminating healthy wood to prevent ______ spread.
Sanitation in pruning includes eliminating healthy wood to prevent ______ spread.
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Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of ______ from the parent stem.
Thinning involves cutting a branch or twig at its point of ______ from the parent stem.
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It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools after each ______ to avoid transferring diseases.
It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools after each ______ to avoid transferring diseases.
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You risk making a poor cut and/or damaging the ______ when using tools improperly.
You risk making a poor cut and/or damaging the ______ when using tools improperly.
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Scissor-action shears have a thin, sharp blade that slides closely past a thicker, but also ______, blade.
Scissor-action shears have a thin, sharp blade that slides closely past a thicker, but also ______, blade.
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Lopping shears can cut material one-half inch in ______ even at the lower price range.
Lopping shears can cut material one-half inch in ______ even at the lower price range.
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Pole pruners have a hooked blade above and a cutting blade ______ for effective pruning.
Pole pruners have a hooked blade above and a cutting blade ______ for effective pruning.
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Poles made of fiberglass or a plastic compound are probably the ______ option for pole pruners.
Poles made of fiberglass or a plastic compound are probably the ______ option for pole pruners.
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Operators should wear head and eye protection when using tools that involve cutting ______.
Operators should wear head and eye protection when using tools that involve cutting ______.
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Saw blades can have either a straight or ______ design, affecting their cutting function.
Saw blades can have either a straight or ______ design, affecting their cutting function.
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A fixed-blade saw with a ______ scabbard is considered safer for cutting tasks.
A fixed-blade saw with a ______ scabbard is considered safer for cutting tasks.
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Espaliering originated in ______ and Italy about 400 years ago.
Espaliering originated in ______ and Italy about 400 years ago.
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Fruit trees trained in the espaliering fashion should be on ______ rootstock.
Fruit trees trained in the espaliering fashion should be on ______ rootstock.
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The easiest espalier system is a horizontal ______.
The easiest espalier system is a horizontal ______.
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Young shade trees may not need much ______ to develop a good framework.
Young shade trees may not need much ______ to develop a good framework.
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Training to a four-tier cordon or four-wire ______ is relatively easy.
Training to a four-tier cordon or four-wire ______ is relatively easy.
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To ensure healthy new growth, cut back when it reaches ______ to 12 inches in length.
To ensure healthy new growth, cut back when it reaches ______ to 12 inches in length.
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By the end of the fourth season, fruit trees should be producing ______.
By the end of the fourth season, fruit trees should be producing ______.
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Do not prune the scaffolds’ ______.
Do not prune the scaffolds’ ______.
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Study Notes
Heading & Thinning
- Heading cuts increase the number of new shoots and stiffen branches.
- Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots and direct growth.
Tree Shading
- The shaded area increases as tree size increases.
- The tree shape also influences the shaded area.
Pruning Mature Trees
- Use thinning cuts to improve light penetration.
- Remove upper horizontal branches to prevent shading other parts of the tree.
- Remove water sprouts.
Peach and Nectarine Trees
- Train young trees in a vase shape.
- Head back young trees to 18 to 30 inches at planting time.
- Select two to three scaffold branches evenly spaced around the tree.
Pear Trees
- Train pears to have multiple leaders with three to five main scaffold branches.
- Avoid excessive pruning of young trees.
Cherry Trees
- Head the tree about 18 to 24 inches above the ground at planting.
- Head all shoots 24 to 36 inches after the first and second year's growth.
Hedges
- Choose young trees or shrubs one to two feet high.
- Cut the plants back to six to eight inches to induce low branching.
- Trim hedges before new growth begins to shade lower leaves.
- Traditional scissor-action hedge shears are the best tool for trimming hedges.
Pruning Techniques
- Sanitation: Prune dead, dying, or diseased wood to help prevent the spread of disease and insects.
- Water sprouts: Remove vertical shoots that arise from the trunk or major limbs. These shoots are undesirable as they compete with healthy growth.
- Thinning: Remove an entire shoot or limb where it originates. This allows light and air to penetrate the plant, improving growth.
- Heading cuts: Reduce overall plant size by one-half or more.
- Thinning cuts: Used to maintain a shrub’s desired height and width. Remove the oldest and tallest stems first.
- Gradual-renewal pruning: Cut a few of the oldest and tallest branches back to slightly above ground level annually.
- Rejuvenation pruning: Remove one-third of the oldest, tallest branches at or slightly above ground level before new growth starts.
Tools
-
Pruning shears:
- Scissor-action shears: Thin, sharp blade slides past a thicker, sharp blade. Provides a cleaner, closer cut.
- Anvil-cut shears: Sharpened blade cuts against a flat blade.
- Lopping shears: Long handles operated with both hands.
- Pole pruners: Long handles, operated by pulling down a cord.
-
Saws:
- 8-point saw: For delicate, close work on small shrubs and trees.
- Fixed-blade saw: Safest type.
- Folding saw: Blades can fold while in use, which can injure the operator.
- Pruning saw: Good for branches with no obstructions.
- Bow saw: Good only where no obstruction exists for 12 inches or more above the area to be cut.
- Chainsaws: Not suitable for pruning live plants. Best for removing trees and cutting firewood.
Pruning for Flowers, Fruit, and Foliage
- Increased flower and fruit size: Pruning reduces the amount of wood and diverts energy into production of larger flowers or fruit.
- Shrub blooming: Most flowering shrubs bloom either on last year’s growth or new growth.
Caring for Tools
- Clean and oil tools regularly: Wipe an oily cloth on blades and other surfaces.
- Sharpen cutting edges: Use a good oilstone.
- Maintain tool handles: Paint, varnish, or treat with linseed oil.
Hand Shears
- Two types of hand shears: scissor-action and anvil-cut
- Scissor-action shears have a thin, sharp blade sliding past a thicker blade, resulting in cleaner cuts.
- Anvil-cut shears are sharpened blades against a flat blade.
Lopping Shears
- Longer handles and operated with both hands
- Can cut materials up to 1/2” in diameter
Pole Pruners
- Pole pruners have a hooked blade above and a cutting blade beneath
- Available in both manual and electric versions
- Can be dangerous, so wear head and eye protection
- Material cut overhead may fall on operator unless it is caught in other branches
Saws
- Saw blades can be straight or curved
- Curved saws are more efficient at removing limbs
Heading & Thinning
- Heading cuts increase new shoots and stiffen branches
- Increases the number of new shoots, and stiffens branches
- Thinning cuts reduce the number of new shoots, and direct growth
Pruning
- When pruning, make slanting cuts for limbs growing upward
- This technique reduces the accumulation of water in the cut and promotes faster healing
- Keep scaffolds at a 60 degree angle
Fruit Trees
- Train fruit trees to the modified leader system
- Fruiting limbs tend to arch under the fruit load
Shrub Care
- Prune both deciduous and evergreen shrubs in late winter before new growth starts.
- Thinning is the best way to prune most mature evergreen shrubs
- Some evergreens can be sheared for a formal look
Deciduous
- Prune deciduous shrubs soon after they bloom
- This allows vigorous summer growth, producing flower buds for the next year
Evergreen
- Most evergreen trees and shrubs are sold B&B or in containers
- Evergreen trees require little pruning at planting time
Reasons for Pruning
- Pruning can be divided into four categories: training, health, quality, and growth restriction.
- Training involves shaping the plant, encouraging desired growth patterns
- Maintaining plant health involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches
- Improving quality includes enhancing flowers, fruit, foliage, and stem strength
- Growth restriction aims to limit plant size and shape
Pruning Terminology
- Heading: Cutting back a shoot or limb, increasing new shoot production and stiffening branches
- Thinning: Removing entire branches, lessening new shoot growth and redirecting growth
- Espaliering: A training technique used to create a structured flat plane of growth, often applied to fruit trees
Pruning Tools
- Hand shears: Used for small branches, come in scissor-action (bypass) or anvil-cut styles.
- Lopping shears: Have long handles, used for larger branches, good for cutting branches up to 2 inches thick depending on the wood.
- Pole pruners: Have a hooked blade and a cutting blade on a pole, operated by pulling down a cord, useful for high branches.
- Saws: Used for thicker branches, come in straight or curved blades, handle sizes vary for different cutting tasks.
- Hedge shears: Used for trimming hedges, traditional scissor-action shears are preferred for clean cuts.
- Electric trimmers: Can be less precise and may damage twigs compared to hand shears, work best on thin-leafed hedges.
Basic Pruning Techniques
- Cut just above a bud: This directs growth in the direction the bud is facing.
- Cut at a 45-degree angle: This allows for proper drainage and healing.
- Cut back to the collar: This is the area just above the branch where the bark flares out, it helps to minimize disease and decay.
Shade Trees
- Prune young shade trees minimally to encourage natural growth.
- Mature shade trees are typically pruned for shape and size.
- Pruning is usually done in spring before leaf emergence.
Fruit Trees
- Prune after transplanting to remove damaged branches, but avoid excessive pruning.
- Prune new growth during the first growing season
- Fruit trees are often trained using espalier techniques for increased fruit production in a confined space.
Shrubs
- Minimal pruning is recommended for most shrubs, especially after transplanting.
- Over-pruning can reduce plant size and hinder survival.
- Proper selection and management are key to developing a strong framework for shrubs.
Hedges
- Hedges should be trained from the beginning to achieve a desired shape.
- Select young plants with multiple stems.
- Cut plants back to 6-8 inches to encourage dense branching.
- Trim hedges in the late first season or before bud break in the second season.
- Start shaping in the third year, ensuring the base is wider than the top.
- Proper selection and management are essential for achieving a desirable hedge shape.
Rose Bushes
- Roses require regular pruning to promote flowering and maintain a healthy plant.
- Pruning techniques vary depending on the rose type.
- Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages continued flowering.
Vines and Ground Covers
- Vines and ground covers often require minimal pruning to manage growth and keep them contained.
- Pruning can help in directing growth and maintaining a desired shape.
Importance of Tools
- Choose the proper tools based on the size and type of branch being cut.
- Use sharp tools for clean cuts to minimize damage and disease risk.
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Description
This quiz covers essential pruning techniques for various fruit trees, including peach, pear, and cherry. Learn about heading and thinning cuts, tree shading, and the proper shaping of young trees to promote healthy growth. Test your knowledge on these vital horticultural practices.
