RADIO TRANSCRIPT
December 16, 2024
Matt Rodriguez

This is Matt Rodriguez, horticulture agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.

Today's program will cover the basics of pruning. First let’s start with the Fall. Most plants should not be pruned in the latter half of summer. The only things that can be safely pruned in the fall are bleeder trees such as maple, birch, dogwood or elm. These trees bleed a lot at certain times of the year when sap is high so waiting until the fall prevents excessive loss of sap. All other trees should not be pruned in the fall. Pruning encourages new growth and in the event of an early freeze or frost, tender new growth could be killed.

A good rule of thumb is that trees and shrubs that bloom early such as redbud and azalea should be pruned as soon as flowering is over and trees and shrubs that bloom in the summer such as crape myrtle and butterfly bush should be pruned early in January and February. Most evergreens should be pruned in early spring just before new growth starts. Most shade trees are best pruned in the winter. Any trees that are susceptible to Fire Blight should be pruned in the winter so that wounds are healed before spring growth starts. If you are interested in learning more, I will be hosting a pruning workshop on January 15th around noon. We will cover the basics in more depth and offer a demonstration with our Japanese Maple.

This has been Matt Rodriguez, horticulture agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. For more information, call us at 828-764-9480.