Renewal pruning of forsythias
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IT'S SPRING, AND THE LONG, weeping stems of forsythia are pouring forth their yellow blossoms. The flowers erupt fountainlike from the ground to the tip of each gracefully arched branch.
Renewal pruning solves the problem of decreased bloom, as well as problems caused by oyster shell scale and borer insect buildup. Remove the oldest, thickest stems at the base to prune away insect problems.
In renewal pruning (also called 'thinning'), we cut out old, unproductive branches, usually over a period of years, both to control the size of the plant and encourage new growth.
The good news is that renewal pruning of older lilacs helps solve both major causes for bloom decline -- shading and pests. The process consists of removing the oldest, thickest canes at the base.
Gradual renewal. In gradual renewal pruning, a few of the tallest or oldest branches are removed at or slightly above ground level annually. Some thinning may be necessary to shorten long branches or to maintain a symmetrical shape.
If your rose of Sharon bush is old and has not been pruned in several years, renewal pruning rose of Sharon shrub offers the opportunity to start over. In late autumn or winter, cut older trunk branches down by two thirds of the tree's height.
This is also the time for much general pruning and for renewal pruning, as new growth is only weeks away and wounds will be exposed only a short time before they seal.
In general, by the time a stem reaches more than 2" in diameter, it should be pruned out. If you are diligent with yearly renewal pruning of your lilacs, your shrubs will be about 8' tall, with flowers throughout the branches.
On older pear trees which have been spur-pruned rather too thoroughly, it will be of benefit to reduce drastically the amount of fruiting wood, and cutting back branches to produce new growth is advisable. Renewal pruning, as for apples, is practiced, ...
Left alone, a shrub will grow to 15 feet or more. The distinctive red bark appears on younger growth, so if you want to see red in winter, perform regular renewal pruning or cut some of the older stems back to ground level.
 See also: Plant, Pruning, Spring, Shoot, Grow
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