Pruning Trees and Roses
Historically speaking, tree pruning is a relatively recent phenomenon, developed as a necessity when trees began to be planted in close proximity to where people lived, worked, or congregated. It’s j...
Category Archives: Pruning
The Price of Bringing Nature Close to Home
I wondered if you could give me your opinion about our deodar cedar tree and whether it is safe to keep it. I love the tree. It’s beautiful, but it is very close to the house/roof so I feel l...
“How Often Should I Prune My Trees?” Ideally, Never.
Whenever I hear a complaint about trees, I am reminded of our precarious relationship with them. As part of our immediate environment, we demand that trees should be as close to us as is physically p...
It’s Pruning Time
Gardeners, sharpen your clippers! In the Valley, early February is an excellent time to prune nearly all woody shrubs and trees. Ideally, pruning is done immediately prior to the onset of a plantR...
How to Prune Hibiscus Without an Elephant
Q: Can you tell us how to prune hibiscus and similar plants to make them grow bushy and beautiful? Is this the best time of year to do this? – Jay Grey, Northridge A: Hibiscus is a tropical pla...
Be Careful When It Comes to Tree Trimming
I had my trees trimmed last year, and they already look like they need to be trimmed again. I cannot really afford to trim again this year, but I am afraid if I don’t, the new shoots, which hav...
Pruning Trees is Like Paying Taxes
Pruning trees is a lot like paying taxes. It’s an annual chore that you would really rather avoid. Even the thought of it may cause anxiety. You could do it yourself and save some money, but it...
Why prune shrubs anyway?
To prune or not to prune, that is the question. Especially now, as cool weather sets in, people want to know if this is the right time to prune their plants. Fertilizing, watering and weeding are sud...
How to Prune — or not to Prune — a Citrus Tree
Q: We have an orange tree that looks more like a bush. How do you prune the bottom branches without damaging the tree? – Leon Callahan, Northridge A: Pruning bottom branches on fruit tre...
