1. Bluff Country Master Gardener Association “Spring into Gardening” March 6, 2010 Pruning Basics: Shrubs

2. What’s the difference between a tree and shrub?

3. Forms Branched-head Standard Single, clear trunk that divides to form open crown Decurrent

7. Forms Central-leader Standard A single strong trunk persisting all the way through the crown Excurrent

11. Forms Bush Rounded head on short trunk

14. Forms Multistemmed Resembling large shrubs with several distinct branches (or trunks)

17. Forms Fastigate Narrow, columnar in form with upswept branches

20. Forms Weeping Typically a mutation causing atypical growth Propagated through grafting onto rootstock.

23. Forms Weeping Standard Often formed by top-grafting a weeping cultivar onto a stock plant with a clear stem

26. Pruning Techniques 3 Point Cut Undercut Stub cut Cut at branch collar Best in dormant season

27. Pruning Techniques Heading back Cut at lateral branch or bud Hard prune in dormant season Light prune thru mid-Summer

29. Pruning Techniques Thinning Removal of up to 1/3 of the stems Largest / oldest stems Best in dormant season

31. Pruning Techniques Dead heading Heading back cut to bud Removal of spent inflorescences within 2-weeks of flower-fade Plants that bloom on wood from previous season Spring blooming woody ornamentals

33. Pruning Techniques Renewal Cut back all stems ½ to 1/3 Remove largest stems Hard prune

36. Pruning Techniques Shearing Removal of the most vigorous shoots Growing season thru late summer Formal appearance

42. A B

47. Mike Maddox Horticulture Educator, Rock County UW-Extension Director of Education, Rotary Botanical Gardens Thank You!