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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of apical dominance in woody plants?
What is the primary function of apical dominance in woody plants?
Which term describes the swollen area at the base of a branch?
Which term describes the swollen area at the base of a branch?
How does the growth direction of a branch affect apical dominance?
How does the growth direction of a branch affect apical dominance?
Which of the following accurately describes a bud?
Which of the following accurately describes a bud?
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What role do hormones produced by the shoot tip play in woody plants?
What role do hormones produced by the shoot tip play in woody plants?
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What is a spur in terms of plant growth?
What is a spur in terms of plant growth?
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What is the first consideration in pruning to maintain plant health?
What is the first consideration in pruning to maintain plant health?
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Which of the following describes vertical water sprouts?
Which of the following describes vertical water sprouts?
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Why is it important to make pruning cuts in healthy wood when dealing with infected branches?
Why is it important to make pruning cuts in healthy wood when dealing with infected branches?
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Which method is recommended to sanitize pruning tools?
Which method is recommended to sanitize pruning tools?
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What is one benefit of thinning evergreens?
What is one benefit of thinning evergreens?
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What happens to the size of flowers and fruit when a plant is pruned?
What happens to the size of flowers and fruit when a plant is pruned?
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Most flowering shrubs bloom on which type of growth?
Most flowering shrubs bloom on which type of growth?
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What benefit does proper pruning have on flowering wood?
What benefit does proper pruning have on flowering wood?
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Which pruning tool is most suitable for branches exceeding one-half inch in diameter?
Which pruning tool is most suitable for branches exceeding one-half inch in diameter?
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What is the primary purpose of pruning deciduous shrubs known for their colored bark?
What is the primary purpose of pruning deciduous shrubs known for their colored bark?
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What type of pruning shears are recommended for difficult cutting tasks?
What type of pruning shears are recommended for difficult cutting tasks?
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How is the fineness of a hand pruning saw's cutting edge measured?
How is the fineness of a hand pruning saw's cutting edge measured?
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What is a major risk when using shears on larger branches?
What is a major risk when using shears on larger branches?
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Which type of hedge shears are typically used for residential applications?
Which type of hedge shears are typically used for residential applications?
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What feature distinguishes scissor-action shears from anvil-cut shears?
What feature distinguishes scissor-action shears from anvil-cut shears?
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What type of shears can typically cut through branches up to two inches thick?
What type of shears can typically cut through branches up to two inches thick?
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What is an important consideration when selecting plants for pruning maintenance?
What is an important consideration when selecting plants for pruning maintenance?
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What do manual hedge shears typically feature?
What do manual hedge shears typically feature?
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What material are the best pole pruners typically made from?
What material are the best pole pruners typically made from?
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What safety measure is important when using pole pruners?
What safety measure is important when using pole pruners?
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What can happen if a saw folds while in use?
What can happen if a saw folds while in use?
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What is a characteristic of the pole pruner's design?
What is a characteristic of the pole pruner's design?
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Which type of saw blade is not mentioned as a characteristic of saws?
Which type of saw blade is not mentioned as a characteristic of saws?
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What is the recommended timing for trimming according to the guidelines?
What is the recommended timing for trimming according to the guidelines?
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What is one effect of trimming on lower leaves?
What is one effect of trimming on lower leaves?
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What hinders the tendency for snow accumulation?
What hinders the tendency for snow accumulation?
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What is the result of accumulated snow on flat tops?
What is the result of accumulated snow on flat tops?
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What type of plant shape is specifically mentioned to help with snow accumulation?
What type of plant shape is specifically mentioned to help with snow accumulation?
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What problem is associated with trimming after new growth begins?
What problem is associated with trimming after new growth begins?
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Why might less frequent trimming be a concern?
Why might less frequent trimming be a concern?
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Which scenario is least likely to promote healthy plant growth?
Which scenario is least likely to promote healthy plant growth?
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Study Notes
Pruning Terminology
- Apex: The tip of a plant shoot.
- Apical Dominance: The phenomenon where the shoot tip influences growth of lower buds and shoots due to hormone production, reducing lateral bud growth unless branches are horizontal.
- Bud: An undeveloped shoot, leaf, or flower found at the sides or ends of shoots and in leaf axils.
- Collar: A swollen area at the base of a branch that contains tissue preventing decay from spreading into the trunk.
- Spur: A short shoot that bears flower buds and potentially fruit, located at the ends or sides of branches.
- Thinning: The pruning method that involves removing an entire shoot or limb from its origin point.
- Water Sprout: An undesirable long shoot growing vertically from a trunk or major limb, typically arising on horizontal limbs.
Maintaining Plant Health
- Sanitation: Essential first step in pruning that involves removing dead, dying, or diseased wood to prevent pest and disease spread.
- Cleaning Cuts: When removing infected wood, cuts should be made in healthy wood and tools must be sterilized after each cut to avoid transferring diseases.
- Light and Air Penetration: Keeping shrubs or trees well-spaced allows for better light and air infiltration, preventing diseases.
- Thinning Benefits: For evergreen shrubs, occasional thinning improves light and air flow, resulting in healthier foliage growth.
Improving Flowers, Fruit, Foliage, and Stems
- Pruning Effects: Reduces the number of flowers and fruit, while enhancing their size and quality.
- Flowering Habits: Most flowering shrubs bloom on last year's wood or new growth, and timely pruning can promote more flower-bearing wood.
- Attractive Bark: Some deciduous shrubs have colorful winter bark, best produced on young wood through hard pruning.
- Foliage Quality: Proper pruning can significantly enhance the amount and quality of foliage in certain plants.
Pruning Tools
- Hand Pruning Shears: Ideal for branches up to 0.5 inches in diameter, available in scissor-action (bypass) and anvil-cut styles.
- Lopping Shears: Feature long handles, capable of cutting branches over 0.5 inches, effective for thicker limbs.
- Pole Pruners: Used for cutting overhead branches, equipped with hooked and cutting blades that operate via a cord, should be handled cautiously for safety.
- Saw Types: Available in various models, with straight or curved blades; points (teeth per inch) determine cut fineness with 5½ to 6 points for average use.
General Pruning Guidelines
- Growth Control: Regular pruning helps manage the size of trees and shrubs, ensuring they fit their intended space.
- Pruning Timing: Trim before new growth begins to minimize shading of lower leaves.
- Hedge Trimming: For formal hedges, regular trimming maintains a uniform appearance and reduces labor.
- Danger Precautions: When using tools for overhead cutting, wear protective gear to prevent injuries from falling debris.
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential pruning terminology and techniques necessary for maintaining plant health. This quiz covers key terms such as apical dominance, thinning, and water sprouts, along with their definitions and applications. Dive into the world of horticulture and learn how proper pruning contributes to the health of your plants.
