Pruning

Here are recommended tools and basic pruning techniques for maintaining the health of a plant and for accentuating key attributes, such as leaves, bark, branch structure, flowers, fruit, or other desirable characteristics. Bypass pruners or shears BYPASS SHEARS Bypass shears are like scissors.

Hydrangea. Photo: Annie Spratt, Unsplash This section covers flowering trees and shrubs that have been introduced to Marin and other California counties as a result of European contact. These tend to enter dormancy when days shorten and temperatures cool.

Toyon. Photo: PxHere Native plants are plants that grew in Marin and other California counties before European contact. Non-native plants are plants that have been introduced to Marin and other California counties as a result of European contact.

Back Bud A dormant bud on bare branches below their leafy ends, or on the trunk. Depending upon the plant, pruning the leafy portions of branches can activate these back buds below each cut. Bareroot A plant with little or no soil on its roots.

> Before you start pruning > Understand new wood & old wood > When to prune > Make a pruning plan > What to prune and remove > How much to remove #1.

The application process for the UC Master Gardeners of Merced County's 2026 Training Class will open in fall 2025. Any Merced County adult resident with an interest in horticulture (plants, lawns, trees, vegetables and more) and public service are encouraged to apply for the Master Gardener Program.