Dead, dying, and diseased limbs are unsightly
and may hinder development. This prevents the possibility of the diseased
growth from spreading throughout the tree. Pruning dead and dying limbs
can prevent the attraction of harmful pests to the tree.
Pruning may increase the size and amount
of flowering. Pruning one flower causes the growth of multiple flowers.
Pruning for flowering purposes should not change the form of the tree.
Be careful not to excessively prune causing the growth of unwanted shoots.
Correct timing is important to improve flowering.
Cutting out unwanted growth can prevent
limbs from growing where they are not wanted. Cutting a limb that over
hangs a power-line would be a good example. These types of limbs are considered
hazardous. Be cautious not to damage the tree while cutting the hazardous
limb.
Pruning crossing or rubbing limbs may prevent
future damage to the tree. Two limbs that are subject to rubbing together
may injure one another or hinder further growth.
Thinning out stems to open the plant to
light and air decrease the amount of competition for the tree and the surrounding
plants. This also allows water to reach the roots easier.
Removing any overly long or awkward-looking
shoots make the tree look better. Along with making the tree look better,
this also keeps the tree at a desired size. When removing this growth allow
for an alternate limb to maintain the apical dominance of the missing limb’s
growth. The alternate limb must be at least one-third the diameter of the
limb to be cut.
Producing special forms with pruning can
be for decoration. This can also make the tree look better during the winter
when limbs are visible. This form can be used to enhance a landscape. It
is popular in tourist areas to draw the eye to the landscape.
Pruning can be used to rejuvenate old plants
that have stop producing new growth. Trees that are near death can be properly
pruned to spawn young healthy growth.
The benefits of pruning are exhibited above by increased flowering
and fruit set.
The danger of pruning are displayed below.
