HOME & GARDEN
How To Prune Conifers
Conifers are trees or bushes which
are typically evergreen all year
round. They have unique scale like
needles which bear cones and are
a popular and easily recognised
shrub, as they come in different
forms, such as large trees and
hedges but there are also dwarf
versions too.
Conifers are a great addition
to anybody’s garden, due to
their natural beauty and simple
maintenance steps. The main care
which they need is in the first few
years, as the planting stages are
crucial to its future development.
After this stage, conifers are not
demanding in terms of care.
The main question you need to ask
is “am I pruning this conifer for a
reason or just for the sake of it?”
Form
One reason your conifer will require
pruning will be due to its form. The
main leaders usually shouldn’t
be pruned, as once they are cut
they don’t grow back. However,
when other leaders grow from the
main leader, they may need to be
pruned as it can give the conifer a
messy look. It is the best practice to
choose the weakest leader from the
two to prune.
Size
As conifers develop with little
maintenance, it is important to
thoroughly assess the position of it
in the garden before planting. As
they grow quicker than you initially
anticipate, so leave a little extra
room for growth in the place which
you plant it, to ensure it doesn’t take
over buildings and other plants in
the garden. However, gardeners
have found that the main reason
for them usually having to prune a
conifer is due to the sheer size of it.
Health
Removing any diseased or dead
branches from the conifer should be
carried out all year round, however
in periods of dry weather. You
should prune your conifer around
5 inches from the infected section.
You should remove branches which
could potentially rub together, as
this is the starting point for disease.
Also, branches that appear weak
should be pruned.
Tips
• Choose sharp to
ols which
are the correct
size for
your conifer.
• Sword pruners
wo
great for prunin uld be
g a small
conifer!
• Disinfect tool
s.
• Cut branches
at a 45° to
60° angle.
• Open up the co
ni
better sun expo fers for
sure and
air circulation.
Conifers could take up a large part
of your garden, however it is likely
that it will be thing which you spend
the least time maintaining. With the
right care and tools you can keep
your conifer looking healthy all year
round, which can brighten up your
garden!
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