How to Prune Shrubs, Bushes & Trees (Pro Techniques) — Tools by Felco
How to Prune Shrubs, Bushes & Trees (Clean Cuts, Healthier Growth)
Great pruning keeps plants healthy, safe, and beautiful. Below you’ll find the best times to prune, the 5-D’s checklist, and proper techniques—plus the Felco tools that make crisp, clean cuts.
When to Prune (Timing Basics)
- Late winter/early spring: Most deciduous trees & many shrubs (while dormant).
- After flowering: Spring-blooming shrubs (e.g., lilac, forsythia) — prune just after bloom to avoid cutting next year’s buds.
- Mid–late summer: Light shaping; avoid heavy cuts late fall (can spur tender growth before frost).
- Evergreens: Light thinning anytime; avoid cutting back to brown, leafless wood on many conifers.
The 5-D’s: What to Remove First
- Dead — brittle, brown wood that snaps.
- Diseased — cankers, oozing, spotted/blackened growth.
- Damaged — storm-torn or cracked branches.
- Downward — branches dragging/crossing ground.
- Deranged (crossing/rubbing) — choose the better-placed branch and remove the other.
Pruning Techniques (Quick Rules)
- Thinning cut: Remove an entire branch back to the trunk/parent branch—preserves natural shape and light.
- Heading cut: Shorten a branch just above a bud or lateral—use sparingly to avoid “witch’s broom.”
- Bud direction: Cut ¼" above an outward-facing bud at a ~45° angle, sloping away from the bud.
- Branch collar: For limbs, cut just outside the swollen collar—don’t leave stubs, don’t flush-cut.
- Three-cut method (branches ≥1”): 1) Undercut 6–8" out; 2) Top cut beyond the undercut to drop the limb; 3) Finish cut at the collar for a smooth heal.
- Sanitize tools: Wipe blades with 70% isopropyl between plants (and diseased cuts) to prevent spread.
Best Tools for the Job (Felco)
Felco Loppers
Felco Folding/Curved Saws
Felco Sharpeners & Holsters
Step-by-Step: Prune Like a Pro
- Assess shape & goals. Stand back; picture the natural form. Aim to open the canopy for light & airflow.
- Start with the 5-D’s. Remove dead, diseased, damaged, downward, and crossing/rubbing wood.
- Thin first, head last. Use thinning cuts to reduce density. Use heading cuts sparingly to control length.
- Mind proportions. For trees, don’t remove more than ~25% of live canopy in a season; for shrubs, keep to light/medium cuts to avoid stress.
- Finish clean. No stubs; respect the branch collar. Sanitize blades between plants.
Species Notes
| Plant Type | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring-flowering shrubs | Right after bloom | They set next year’s buds on old wood. |
| Summer-flowering shrubs | Late winter/early spring | They bloom on new wood—prune while dormant. |
| Evergreen hedges | Late spring + light touches mid-summer | Shear lightly; don’t cut back to brown wood. |
| Young trees | Late winter | Train strong structure—remove competing leaders, crossing branches. |
Safety: Wear eye protection and gloves. For tall work, use proper ladders or call a certified arborist, especially near power lines.
Pruning FAQs
When is the best time to prune shrubs and trees?
Late winter to early spring for most deciduous plants while dormant. Prune spring-flowering shrubs right after they bloom so you don’t remove next year’s buds. Evergreens get light touch-ups mid-season only.
How much can I remove at once?
Aim to remove no more than ~25% of live growth in a season for trees; lighter for shrubs unless you’re rejuvenating in stages.
What’s the difference between thinning and heading cuts?
Thinning removes a branch back to its origin to open the canopy and keep natural form. Heading shortens a branch to a bud or lateral and should be used sparingly to avoid dense “witch’s broom” growth.
Where exactly should I cut?
For limbs, cut just outside the branch collar (the slightly swollen base). For shoots, cut about ¼" above an outward-facing bud at a slight angle.
What tool should I use for different branch sizes?
Bypass hand pruners up to ~1" live wood, loppers for ~1–2"+, and a pruning saw beyond that. See our Felco pruners, loppers, saws, and sharpeners here: Shop Felco Tools.
Does Felco make left-handed pruners?
Yes—Felco offers left-handed models with reversed blades/handles for comfort and control. Browse options in our Felco collection: Felco Collection.
How do I keep cuts clean and prevent disease spread?
Wipe blades with 70% isopropyl alcohol between plants and after diseased cuts. Keep blades sharp and dry; a quick hone before each session makes a big difference.
My blades get sticky with sap—how do I clean them?
Use Resin Remover to dissolve sap, then dry and lightly oil the pivot and blade to prevent rust.
Can I prune in the rain?
It’s better to wait for dry weather; wet conditions can increase the chance of disease entering fresh cuts.
Is it safe to prune near power lines or from a ladder?
No—call a certified arborist for elevated or utility-adjacent work. Always wear eye protection and gloves.
Maintenance matters: Sharp, clean blades make smaller wounds that seal faster. Touch up your Felco edges regularly and oil pivots after use.
Blog posts
-
Choosing a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater: Sizing, Cost, Maintenance & Most-Asked Questions
Leer ahoraThinking Rinnai tankless? This guide answers the most common questions—how to size, how often to flush, typical issues, condensing vs. non-condensing, indoor vs. outdoor, warranties, and more—so you can pick the right model with confidence.
-
Snow-Melt Systems for Walkways, Paths & Driveways (How They Work, Cost, Install & FAQs)
Leer ahoraSnow-melt heating uses embedded electric mats or cables to automatically clear ice and snow from walkways, paths, and driveways—no salt, no scraping. Here’s how it works, when to use it, what it costs, and what to buy.
-
What Is Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis (RO)? Benefits, Use Cases & FAQs
Leer ahoraPoint-of-use reverse osmosis (under-sink RO) delivers crisp, great-tasting water at the faucet by reducing TDS and chlorine taste/odor—ideal for cooking, coffee, baby formula, and ice—with optional remineralization for those who want minerals/electrolytes back for taste.
Dejar un comentario