The Complete Guide to Pruning Trees and Bushes by K. O. Morgan

Author:K. O. Morgan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: pruning, shrub, health, equipment, techniques, trees, evergreens, hedges, artistic, fruit, nut, vines, ground cover, houseplants, bonsai
Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Group Inc.
Published: 2012-02-11T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8: Pruning Deciduous Trees

Deciduous plants drop all of their leaves in fall or winter. Deciduous trees are divided into four groups determined by their leaf type, as well as leaf arrangement. These include:

1. Simple leaves located opposite each other on the stem. Maples and tree lilacs are examples of opposite simple leaf trees.

2. Simple leaves located alternately on the stem. Birch, poplars, and willows are alternate simple leaf trees.

3. Compound leaves located opposite each other on the stem. Ash and buckeye are examples of opposite compound leaf trees.

4. Compound leaves located alternately on the stem. Locust and walnut are examples of alternate compound leaf trees.

Deciduous leaves also come in four types: smooth, finely toothed, double-toothed sharp pointed, and lobed.

Some common types of deciduous trees include maple, crabapple, magnolia, and cottonwood. You should primarly prune these plants to create a strong, well-balanced branch system that, in turn, makes the plant more attractive and healthier. Aside from these reasons, you need to prune a deciduous tree in cases of storm damage from heavy snows or high winds or when a tree’s growth interferes with utility wires, poles, pathways, or buildings.

You also want to prune to remove dead or diseased branches because these could cause injury or property damage. In this case, you prune for safety reasons and for the health of the tree. Health also comes into play when you prune the crown of a tree to increase airflow and also reduce some pests. Storm damage can leave a ragged wound in the tree. A severe wound may not seal and can kill the tree. Pruning a damaged tree helps the tree heal and, thus, produces a healthier tree.

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