RADIO TRANSCRIPT
May 9, 2022
Donna Teasley
Hello, this is Donna Teasley, Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.
The spring flowering trees and shrubs have been beautiful this year and most escaped damage from the late spring frosts that we get each year. Now that their flowers are beginning to fade the time to do any needed pruning is here. Early blooming plants make next years flower buds soon after flowering is over.
Azaleas and rhododendrons in particular should be pruned as soon as blooms start to fade. If these plants have gotten out of hand, severe pruning will not hurt them but as a general rule no more than one third should be taken off the plant at one time. Early pruning gives the plant a chance to recover and put on next year’s flower buds.
When pruning any tree or shrub always consider these things before starting. Is it the right time of year to prune? Different plants require pruning at different times. Is this plant too large for the spot it is growing in? If pruning is required every year to maintain a certain size, consider relocating the plant to a better suited site.
It is important to remember that pruning is not meant to change a plants natural growing shape, it is meant to enhance the natural beauty of the plant. Pruning to make a plant something that it’s not is never going to end successfully.
This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. If you would like more information about this program y9ou can call us at 764-9480.
