Column: The importance of pruning

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By Bob Wasson

Depending on their perspective, one of the chores that gardeners resist the most every spring is the pruning of trees, shrubs and flowers. It’s a “big muscle” job that, done properly, requires heavy gloves, proper tools, and knowledge and time that many homeowners do not have.

And while Mother Nature takes care of this process to some degree on her own—through wind, ice, and snow—the targeted removal of diseased, damaged, or dead wood will improve the health and productivity of the plants in your yard like nothing else can.

The benefits of pruning are significant:

Pruning reduces a plant’s size so that it will never outgrow the area in which it was originally planted.

Pruning thins the interior of the plant to improve air circulation and let in sunlight.    This helps minimize insect and disease problems.

Pruning extends the life of plants.

Pruning adds monetarily to your property by improving its overall appearance.   Remember, the “curb appeal” of your property is a key factor in determining its value.

Like some wildlife, the deciduous plants in your yard have been taking a long winter’s nap.    With the coming of warmer weather, they are beginning to awake. You can help them get off to a fast, invigorating start by pruning them early in the growing season.

If you don’t have the time or know-how to do the pruning yourself, you may want to call a professional landscaper for help. As is the case in most professions, working with an expert is the best approach to maintaining a beautiful yard.

Bob Wasson is President of Operations at Wasson Nursery located in Muncie just 30 minutes north of Hamilton Town Center on I-69.


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