Pruning is the controlled removal of selected plant parts to manage size, shape and structure, reduce pest problems, control disease, improve fruit production and enhance appearance. It is a critical component of landscape maintenance that can be done at any time of the year for almost any woody shrub, evergreen or deciduous tree.
Most plants need little pruning once they are established, but some need corrective or occasional pruning to remove dead branches, damage caused by storms or wildlife, or to reduce the spread of certain diseases. Some species may also be subject to invasive insects or diseases that require removal to limit spreading of the problem to other plants.
When choosing to prune, keep in mind that you are wounding the plant, and it will need time to heal properly. It is best to remove only what is necessary, and to do so as close to the source of the problem as possible. This will reduce the risk of re-infection from bacteria and other pathogens, and it will help the plant conserve energy that would be needed to produce new growth.
A good starting point is to remove dead, dying or broken branches and stems, especially those that are close to the ground or hanging over people or structures. In general, it is a good idea to prune out some of the old center growth on mature trees to promote airflow and light penetration. This can be done at any time of the year, but it is particularly important on shade trees, to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches and fruits.
Branches that grow too low and rub against the ground or other plants are more likely to chafe, rot, create entry points for insects and diseases, and break off in severe weather conditions. These should be removed, along with those that cross or grow inward toward the center of the plant or trunk.
For many woody plants, especially those that bloom on last season’s growth (old wood), it is a good idea to prune just after flowering. This allows the plant to use its energy to produce more flowers next spring rather than to develop a lot of new growth that will be used to replace those that faded. Some examples include rhododendrons, dogwoods (Cornus spp.), lilacs (Syringa spp.) and forsythias (Forsythia spp.).
Thinning out dense crowns by removing some of the older, larger branches can improve light penetration and manage growth in most trees and shrubs. However, it is important to remember the one-third rule when thinning–a healthy, well-established tree can usually tolerate only about a third of its total crown being removed in any given year.
source https://treeaestheticswa.wordpress.com/2024/02/04/pruning-your-trees-and-shrubs/
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