branch pruning basic questions

6 years ago

Hello,

does anyone know of a basic thread about pruning branches, especially in regard to 1) how do you know when to stop and 2) do you do anything to the ends? I searched but couldn't find the basics. (Most pruning threads are about root pruning, a most worthy subject.)

I gave my little ficus a good haircut today - should I have cut more? and should I have sealed the ends somehow?

There is about a half inch of trunk above the last living branch ... my pruners need to be sharpened and I don't have a sharpener yet (on my To Do list). It seemed better to stop, at least until I have sharpened them and have a better idea of what I'm doing. I do not think it enjoyed the process!

Also, should I have put something on the end? Do insects get in there? (As an aside, I did not see any sap...)

All input is appreciated.

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Comments (3)

tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
6 years ago
Al has posted many times about pruning. Here is one thread that he started a while ago: https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5185228/pruning-basics-q-and-a-format#n=70

Generally I do not put anything on the cut end especially if they are actively growing. They will heal themselves. If they are dormant then I put a paste meant for it. Available from bonsai supplies. But you can just put a dab of elmers glue (the kind meant for all weather). Insects cannot get in easily but can get infected by fungus or bacteria. Your cut does not look bad. Definitely a sharp pruner is essential. Cleaner the cut the faster it will heal.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal)
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! I will check out that link.

I will sharpen the pruners and maybe go in a little closer. I am just happy it survived! It looks a bit odd now but that's okay.
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tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
6 years ago
Pruning will slow the plant down but not likely to kill the plants. The stub you left may die back to the next node or may surprise you with a bunch of sprouts from the end. If it does produce many random sprouts from the cut end then you should "rub off" the new sprouts leaving one or two to grow.

This is a F. religiosa root cutting with many sprouts.

After rubbing off the sprouts:

I am going to let these two grow for a while to heal the wound and then cut back later when the branches are about pencil thick. BTW, notice those aphids - I got them with a spritz of alcohol after taking these pics.