The A-Z Pruning Handbook for New Zealand. by Jon Muller.
Principles of pruning
Pruning to the bud
Branch removal: (a) correct sequence of cuts; (b) correctly cut
branch, showing sealing of wound; (c) incorrect cut without undercutting,
causing tearing of bark.
....continued
Trees and the law:
There are a number of laws which effect trees on your own or your neighbours'
property. If you own the land, you might think that you can do anything
you want with your own trees, but it is not quite so simple.
First, there is the law of nuisance. It says, essentially, that you can't
use your land in any way that causes a problem on that of your neighbours.
For example, if your trees have branches which overhang your neighbours'
property and interfere with their land, they can remove the branches themselves
if you refuse to do so. Similarly, trees can be removed if they may break
or fall onto houses. If a neighbour's tree is blocking the view or light
for your house, this is not, strictly speaking an interference in your
property, unless it is overhanging. But check with local councils as there
may be restictions, depending on the locality. Remember the laws of trespass,
which protect property from another person who may enter and stay without
permission.
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Arborists:
Larger tree work should be carrried out by trained arborists. Arborists
can train at Waikato Polytechnic or overseas and become members of the
Arboriculture Association. Using
a contractor who is a member of this Association gives clients some protection
if things go wrong as the Association can ask the contractor to put it
right.
Deciduous shrubs:
The golden rule is to prune after flowering. Pruning before flowering
will remove potential flowers and fruit. Once the flowers are spent you
can prune to encourage the right growth Shrubs can either flower on the
previous seasons growth or on current seasons growth.
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HEDGES:
The ideal hedge has dense, even growth from the top to bottom. Regular
trimming on the sides will encourage this. Trimming hedges means cutting
back the tip growth, usually with hedgeclippers. You don't have to cut
to nodes as you normally do with, say, roses. Trimmed hedges should be
slightly wider at the base and slope in at the top. This allows light
into the base of the plant, encouraging growth, as described below. Cutting
back too hard or removing too much bottom growth can result in dieback.
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PLANT CARE:
No introduction on pruning would be complete without considering the care
of plants. All too often arborists are called in to fix a problem that
was due to incorrect care of the plant at an earlier stage.
Planting or transplanting trees and shrubs is the first step. Always
check that the plant is suited to the conditions it is being planted.
Consider its eventual size, given the other structures around it, such
as buildings and powerlines.
If the soil is poor, you can improve it by adding organic matter, except
for plants like proteas which prefer low fertility soils. If drainage
is poor, you may need to lay drains. It is better to prepare a whole site
for planting rather than dig holes for each plant. Mulching to a depth
of 7.5 -10cm will hold in the moisture and keep the weeds down.
When planting or transplanting, make sure that you don't bury the base
of the plant too deeply. Keep to the original level of the pot or the
transplanted tree or shrub. If you mound up soil around the base of a
tree you can kill it as the lack of air and excess moisture at the base
can cause rot and failure. This is an all too often problem on building
sites where excavation or filling is taking place around established trees.
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TOOLS:
I know from experience that it is better to pay the extra money and buy
quality tools. Poor quality tools are frustrating to use as they won't
do the job as efficiently.
The important thing to remember is to use the tool for its intended purpose.
If you have to strain a tool to do the job you can damage the tool and/or
the plant. For example, when using a pair of secateurs, you shouldn't
have to strain or twist them to cut through material. Rather than do this,
it would be more appropriate to use loppers or a pruning saw.
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