Spring Pruning Tips

A Little Springtime Work Makes a Big Summertime Difference

Sunday, 15th April, 2012 @ 07:32pm
by Deborah Rankin

Before you start working in the garden, make sure the frost is out of the ground and the soil is dry. You can cause unnecessary soil compaction and damage new shoots if you walk around while the soil is still wet.

Don't start cleaning too early! We still get hard frosts in March and removing all the old grass and leaf debris is like taking off your winter coat too early. New shoots coming out of the ground are tender and vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

Cut ornamental grasses as close to the ground as possible. Tie the tops of the grasses into manageable bunches to make the process easier and tidier. For thicker, tougher stems, try using a pruning saw or hedge shears.

Using sharp, clean pruners, remove any winter damaged stems. Take advantage of the "bare legs" before leaves are fully out and remove any old and dead stems. Remove any thin, whip-like water-shoots (branches growing straight up from lower branches) which will crowd the shrub. You want to open up the interior of the shrub to let in light and increase air circulation.

Clean cuts are important - make sure your cuts are close to the main branch or trunk (don't leave stumps) and cut without tearing the bark. This is particularly important because bark tears can lead to disease or insect damage.

Early spring is a good time to add compost or mulch to your garden beds. It.s easier to spread before the perennials have started growing.