Pruning

 Scientific NameCalycanthus occidentalisPrized forLush foliage; red flowers; and seedpods.Blooms onNew woodWhen to PruneJanuaryWhat to PruneOne approach is to keep the plant full by tip pruning only. Alternatively, a plant can be trained as small, multi-trunk tree by using thinning and releadering cuts…

 Scientific NameHeteromeles arbutifoliaPrized forBright red berries in November and December.Blooms onOld woodWhen to PruneIf interested in the berries, prune in January. If not interested in the berries, prune in August or September.What to PrunePrune for structure in August or September, although this…

 Scientific Name:Acer circinatumPrized forLeaf detail and graceful structure.Blooms onNew woodWhen to PruneWinter or very early spring (Ideal: February).What to PruneUse thinning cuts to reveal the structure. Pluck leaves in dense areas. > BACK TO PRUNING TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS

Scientific NameMalus domestica Special ConsiderationsApples need sturdy branches. Heading cuts are necessary.  Fruit grows on:Old wood (spurs). Spurs form on one to three year old trees. Spurs continue to produce fruit for eight to 10 years, then die off. Trees are continually generating new…

Scientific NamePrunus armeniaca Special ConsiderationsApricots bloom early (February or March). Therefore, late spring rains can limit pollination.Apricots are susceptible to a number of diseases, including eutypa, a water-borne fungal disease. As a result, apricots should be pruned only when rains are…

Scientific NamePrunus avium Special ConsiderationsGenerally, cherries are the most difficult fruit trees to keep alive. They do not tolerate wet feet and are very susceptible to brown rot, bacterial canker, root and crown rots, and eutypa, a water-borne fungal disease. As a result, cherries should be…

Scientific NameFicus carica Special ConsiderationsBlack figs require light pruning only. Fruit grows on:Old wood (on spurs).What to Prune in WinterRemove dead, diseased or damaged branches.Remove crossing branches.Remove any suckers growing from the base of the tree or from the roots.Use thinning…

Scientific NameFicus carica Special ConsiderationsWhite and brown figs  (e.g., Kadota, Thompson) require heavy pruning, because they produce fruit on new growth. Each winter, the wood that formed during the previous growing season must be almost completely removed to promote healthy new growth…

Scientific NameCitrus x limon Special ConsiderationsMany lemons (especially, Meyer lemons) flower and fruit all year long. Therefore, removal of some flowers and fruit while pruning is often inevitable. The natural habit of lemons is to grow tall upright branches from the center of the tree,…