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Pruning Terminology and Techniques
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Pruning Terminology and Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of apical dominance in woody plants?

  • To inhibit growth of most lateral buds and reduce growth of lower shoots (correct)
  • To encourage symmetrical growth of all branches
  • To enhance flowering by promoting upper shoot development
  • To promote growth of lateral buds below the shoot tip
  • Which term describes the swollen area at the base of a branch?

  • Node
  • Collar (correct)
  • Apex
  • Axil
  • How does the growth direction of a branch affect apical dominance?

  • Horizontal branches are completely unaffected by apical dominance
  • Apical dominance is inhibited if the branch is growing horizontally (correct)
  • Apical dominance is enhanced in horizontal branches
  • Branches that grow horizontally cannot exhibit apical dominance
  • Which of the following accurately describes a bud?

    <p>An undeveloped shoot, leaf, or flower, or a combination thereof</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do hormones produced by the shoot tip play in woody plants?

    <p>They prevent the growth of most lateral buds below the shoot tip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a spur in terms of plant growth?

    <p>A short shoot bearing flower buds and often fruit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first consideration in pruning to maintain plant health?

    <p>Sanitation including eliminating dead or diseased wood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes vertical water sprouts?

    <p>They arise on the upper side of horizontal limbs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to make pruning cuts in healthy wood when dealing with infected branches?

    <p>To prevent further disease spread.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is recommended to sanitize pruning tools?

    <p>Using a mild bleach solution or alcohol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one benefit of thinning evergreens?

    <p>Helps prevent disease by allowing light and air penetration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the size of flowers and fruit when a plant is pruned?

    <p>They typically become smaller but fewer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most flowering shrubs bloom on which type of growth?

    <p>Both last year's and new growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What benefit does proper pruning have on flowering wood?

    <p>It results in longer stems and more vibrant colors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pruning tool is most suitable for branches exceeding one-half inch in diameter?

    <p>Lopping shears</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of pruning deciduous shrubs known for their colored bark?

    <p>To optimize color production on young wood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of pruning shears are recommended for difficult cutting tasks?

    <p>Heavy-duty hedge shears with a serrated blade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the fineness of a hand pruning saw's cutting edge measured?

    <p>By teeth per inch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major risk when using shears on larger branches?

    <p>Damaging the shears</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of hedge shears are typically used for residential applications?

    <p>Electric hedge shears or power hedge shears</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature distinguishes scissor-action shears from anvil-cut shears?

    <p>Scissor-action shears make cleaner cuts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of shears can typically cut through branches up to two inches thick?

    <p>Lopping shears</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important consideration when selecting plants for pruning maintenance?

    <p>Max height and grown size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do manual hedge shears typically feature?

    <p>Long, flat blades and short handles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material are the best pole pruners typically made from?

    <p>Fiberglass or plastic compound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What safety measure is important when using pole pruners?

    <p>Wearing head and eye protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if a saw folds while in use?

    <p>It may injure the operator's fingers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of the pole pruner's design?

    <p>It features a cutting blade above a hooked blade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of saw blade is not mentioned as a characteristic of saws?

    <p>Serrated blade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended timing for trimming according to the guidelines?

    <p>Before new growth begins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of trimming on lower leaves?

    <p>Decreases shade on lower leaves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hinders the tendency for snow accumulation?

    <p>Frequent trimming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of accumulated snow on flat tops?

    <p>Results in less thinning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of plant shape is specifically mentioned to help with snow accumulation?

    <p>Rounded tops</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What problem is associated with trimming after new growth begins?

    <p>Increases leaf shading</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might less frequent trimming be a concern?

    <p>It encourages excessive growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario is least likely to promote healthy plant growth?

    <p>Ignoring the need for trimming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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