Pruning is such a variable topic with many attributes to be taken into consideration such as climate, species, and goals of the gardener. For many, pruning is simply another part of gardening, but for others it can cause a cold sweat more commonly described as prune-a-phobia.
Cutting about 1/4 inch above an outward growing bud, will produce new, outward growing branching
Pruning can induce or delay flowering, eliminate the need for staking, control disease, improve appearance but what, when and how is a large factor. Tracy takes some of the mystery out of pruning with easy tips and great advice.
In this episode, Joe visits with Tracy DiSabato-Aust, author of “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden” considered by many to be the bible of perennial maintenance. And pruning takes a starring role in any “well-tended perennial garden”.
Next, Joe checks in with design coach, Billy Goodnick. Just as pruning can be a very beneficial practice, many times it’s done for the wrong reasons. Billy discusses what he considers to be ‘crimes against horticulture’ in the landscape. So often, when we don’t put the right plant in the right place we try to force it to conform, which can have environmental consequences. All plants have a genetic disposition as to height and width and it is crucial for the gardener to research the plant to see how tall and wide it will ultimately grow and whether it is suited to the desired location. And, severe shaping may be aesthetically pleasing to some but can eventually shorten a plant’s lifespan.
Done for no apparent reason, it is doubtful these trees will survive this severe topping
Which is the perfect lead-into a pet-peeve for Joe and the crw at GGW. We’re talking about trees that are mutilated for no apparent reason? There are many who have been convinced by unscrupulous “landscapers” that trees pose a danger if allowed to reach their ultimate size. Nothing could be farther from the truth as Joe explains. Trees that are routinely topped pose more of a threat than those left to their own genetic destiny.
Joe rounds out the topic by sharing his 5-steps for pruning success.
Finally, Chef Nathan makes a delicious dessert from the fruit of apricot trees.
For more information
Billy Goodnick
Tracy DiSabato-Aust
Espalier
Who has prunaphobia?
The Secret to Fearless Pruning-5 steps to Prune like a Pro
A Guide to Successful Pruning: Stop Topping Trees
About GGWTV
Growing A Greener World is a national gardening series on Public Television that features organic gardening, green living and farm to table cooking. Each episode focuses on compelling and inspirational people making a difference through gardening. This gardening series covers everything from edible gardening and sustainable agriculture to seasonal cooking and preserving the harvest.
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I am unable to get more than small area of the video. Maybe just the ear or eye of the speaker.
Hi Dean. I’m not sure what the problem is. I checked it from our site and it plays just fine. Check all your settings and if all else fails, try rebooting. Also, see if you can view it normally from another computer. That will at least confirm it’s an issue with your computer only.