It is December and time to start thinking about pruning the trees and shrubs. When pruning, there are two major questions to address: how to prune and knowing when to stop. If you Oak Tree looks like a stalk of broccoli, then you are pruning incorrectly. When pruning, you should have a specific purpose in mind. Good reasons for pruning include, shaping plants, removing dead or damaged branches and trimming back a plant that has outgrown its area. Crape Myrtles are the most pruned plant in the area. Please do not top your Crape Myrtles unless they are interfering with the structure of your house.
Pruning should be done in the late winter, just before new spring growth appears. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the time to begin is January. If you prefer not to climb trees with sharp tools and running chainsaws, you may want to consider hiring a tree trimming company. One local company that has always done a sensational job at my house is Advance Tree Care. Another company that does a phenomenal job is Arborilogical Services. I don’t usually plug companies but these two get high marks. Before hiring any company, please check their references.
When to prune: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/lg_o_art_trees7.htm
How to prune: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/
Arborilogical Services: http://www.arborilogical.com/
