How to Trim Ornamental Trees
Ornamental trees add a beautiful accent to your outdoor lanscape. Plants like the Wisteria vine and creeping phlox are very eye-catching and give your landscape excellent curb appeal. It should be noted that most ornamental trees will require periodic pruning and trimming.
- Allow the tree to naturally develop. The allure of the ornamental tree is the main attribute that causes homeowners to add them to their landscape.
- Specify the bloom time for your ornamental tree. Find out exactly when your flowering ornamental tree blooms. For example, if the tree's bloom time is toward the end of June, you need to trim it right after it blooms. If the bloom time is after the end of summer, then trim it right before winter begins. Trimming according to bloom time is essential or else the tree will not bloom in the normal flowering season.
- Use hand shears for branches. Make sure that you do not cut the primary branch of the tree or the trunk. Thinning out the branches with hand shears allows wind to move through the trees freely without the risk of breakage.
- Shorten the lateral branches. Using a pair of lopping shears, cut 1/2 inch above the main branch. Make another 1/2-inch cut from the bottom of the branch. This will prevent scarring of the ornamental tree.
- Crop the tree suckers. These are found at the base of the tree. If these are not cropped, they can cause abnormal growth which will deform the tree.