The merits of pruning

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“This bud’s for you.”

-- anonymous

“Plants, which branch out widely are often more flourishing for a

little timely pruning.”

-- with apologies to

Thomas Babington

Macaulay

The question arises every January, “Why prune?” Left to their own

devices, many plants will grow wildly, unchecked and unproductive.

The object of pruning -- cutting or trimming -- is to modify plant

growth. But before we set off to prune our roses or fruit trees,

let’s review how plants grow.

All plants grow or elongate themselves by producing new growth at

sites we call buds. The terminal bud develops at the top of a plant,

on the end of a stem or branch and causes a plant to grow taller. The

lateral bud grows on the sides of stems. These buds produce the

sideways growth that makes a plant bushy.

When a plant is actively growing, plant hormones called auxins are

found within the growth buds. It is these hormones that actually

cause bud formation and expansion. When a bud is removed, the auxin

flows elsewhere. This explains why a plant that is topped grows

bushy; the auxin is transferred from the terminal bud to the lateral

buds. Conversely, when lateral buds are removed, a plant will grow

taller.

The act of pruning helps to maintain a plant’s health. Young

plants may grow actively for a few years and then become lazy -- they

lose interest in being vigorous. To keep plants young, the removal of

older stems directs the plant to produce new stems and leaves. A

simple and open plant structure allows sunlight and air to reach all

of the leaves -- a necessity for continued good appearance and new

plant growth.

Specialized pruning allows a gardener to keep plants shapely and

control their growth. With a little experience, you’ll be able to

predict the outcome of pruning and produce a variety of special plant

effects. Espaliers are an example of specialized pruning, as are

topiary and bonsai. Catharine has discovered that vines can be made

into ground covers and trees into hedges.

Neglected or poorly pruned plants can be restored by pruning. When

you make a plant more attractive by pruning, you are practicing the

gardener’s art of proper cuts and thinning. Overgrown plants can be

transformed into new forms or reduced in size.

Finally, skillful pruning can increase the quality and yield of

fruit and flowers. Many plants, like roses and deciduous fruit trees,

not only require care to be shapeful, but are dependent on

knowledgeable pruning to produce beautiful flowers and bountiful

fruit.

Pruning, like any gardening or landscaping activity, requires a

little knowledge and lots of enthusiasm. This is seldom garnered

through horticultural books, but rather through experience, good and

bad. Mistakes are made so we may learn. Besides, it’ll grow back!

As Catharine has predicted, El Nino is keeping things dry for now

in semi-sunny Laguna. Take advantage of the rain-free days to

complete garden chores leftover from the holidays. Maybe you could

even take down those holiday lights. ... After all, it’s 342 days

until Christmas. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at 497 2438

or by e-mail at landscapes@ln. coxatwork.com.