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| Dr Jeff Wilson shows correct pruning techniques |
Dr. Jeff Wilson, a Regional Extension Specialist and County
Agent Mike Skipper provided some tips and useful information on plant
selection, pruning, planting and fertilizer.
Wilson recommended
using native plants and hardwood plants in your home's landscaping due to their
durability. He indicated the importance of knowing the growth rate and the
mature size so that the homeowner can put the right plant in the right place
without excessive pruning or having to later move a plant. He also suggested taking extra care in picking the proper plants that may be placed around overhead power lines. Trees and shrubs that grow too tall may be subject to removal or excessive pruning if they interfere with power lines.
Wilson also recognized that many homeowners are faced with
the decision of removing a tree or pruning. He recommends considering the
following questions:
Is the tree structurally safe?
Will it recover to a natural shape in five years or less?
Is it worth the effort and cost to prune?
Wilson noted that there were several other issues to be
considered including the tree’s location in the landscape. Will the tree
require excessive pruning resulting in nothing more than an 18 foot tall stump
in your yard? He also recommended the use of licensed and bonded companies to
trim and prune larger trees due to insurance issues.
Wilson and Skipper also provided tips on when to prune
different types of trees and shrubs, when to fertilize and fertilizer types and
how to properly plant a new tree or shrub in your yard.
For more information, contact the Winston County Extension
Office for assistance.
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