FLORASCOPE: Pruning Demo Follow-Up

A BIG thanks to all who stopped by the demo Saturday. There were many great questions asked and I was able to assist enthusiastic pruners in picking out new tools that would help them get their gardening work done. If you didn't have the opportunity to stop by, here's a little bit of what you missed.

PRUNING 101

Why Maintain Your Tools?

- Reduce the spread of disease

- Make clean cuts

- Prevent rust & damage

Steps to Cleaning & Sharpening Your Tools

- With soapy water and Scotch Brite pad or steel wool remove any sap or dirt on blade, handle and mechanisms.

- Place sharpening tool against the beveled blade edge pushing in forward motion away from the inside of the tool to the outer tip of the blade. (I suggest using a Corona 8300 sharpening tool or oil stone with light mix of oil ½ kerosene & ½ 30 oil.)

- Run sharpening tool lightly on the outside flat edge of the blade to remove any metal burrs.

- Using a cloth, wipe down blade and mechanisms with light oil mix to help prevent oxygen from oxidizing the steel

- WD-40 the gears and mechanisms

Why Prune?

- Encourage healthy growth

- Rejuvenate older plants

- Maintain shape & size

- Encourage flower & fruit production

Dormant Pruning – (November-March) This is the best time to prune while plants are in a dormant state to avoid damage to plant. Invigorates new growth.

Spring & Fall Pruning – (post dormancy & pre dormancy) The least desirable time to prune as it can leave plants most vulnerable.

Summer Pruning – Reduces vigorous new growth and slows re-growth. Heavy pruning should be avoided.

4 Basic Pruning Rules

- Remove dead, dying & diseased limbs

- Thin crossing branches and limbs heading into the interior of the plant

- Eliminate hazardous branches

- Repair damage

For More Pruning Information with great visual diagrams visit the website link to the

OregonState University, Pruning Basics Handout

Other Great Pruning Resources Include:

- CassTurnbull’s Guide to Pruning: What, When, and Where and How to Prune for a MoreBeautiful Garden by Cass Turnbull

- AmericanHorticultural Society Pruning & Training by Christopher Brickell &David Joyce