Prune for structure and plant health - plan your pruning before you start cutting.
Know the plant’s natural form.
Is it more open or compact?
Does it look better with selective pruning or can it be sheared?
Does it have a central leader (or growth point) that must be maintained?
What shape is the most pleasing to the eye?
Prune according to plant growth cycles
Prune deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves) during their dormant period before any new buds form
Know when your plants are entering their dormant period - for some it is winter, for some natives it is summer. Avoid pruning in their high growth periods.
Be sure to leave stalks or branches the plant needs for growth next season. Some plants fruit or flower on second year branches (check with your local nursery)
Use clean sharp tools so you don’t tear the bark. Never pull a branch off by hand.
Make your pruning cuts according to the plant type - trees and shrubs are pruned differently. Check the Resource section for more information on pruning before you start.
Hire a licensed contractor if pruning cannot be done from the ground or a short ladder. NEVER prune near energized utility lines - call a qualified and licensed tree contractor.
