As every gardener knows pruning is one of the essential tasks that must be carried out on a regular basis. Of course as with many gardening tasks there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Unfortunately if you get it wrong it can result in a disaster. Timing is important since different plants need pruning at different times of the year. This article by Anna Burke which I found on Dave’s Garden website has some helpful tips on harmful pruning habits to avoid.

Are you pruning the wrong way?

If you’re a gardener, you know you need to prune. It is essential for healthy plant growth and yard maintenance. It can also be the single worst thing you ever do to your plants, aside from forgetting to water them, if you’re not careful. Here are some harmful pruning habits to avoid so that you can keep your gardens growing in the right direction.

1. Pruning at the Wrong Time

I am guilty of going after my garden with loppers whenever the mood strikes me, which has resulted in some disastrous side effects over the years. I ultimately made myself a pruning calendar, because one of the biggest common pruning mistakes gardeners make is pruning at the wrong time. The right time is largely dependent on the plant and the type of pruning you need to do, but in general, there are a few basic rules you can follow.

?Winter PruningWinter is the best time to prune most tree species, especially those prone to pests. Pruning opens up your tree to infections from diseases and pests, and since cold weather eliminates most of those, it makes sense to prune during this time. For deciduous trees, winter give you another advantage?sight. You can see the shape of your tree better without the leaves, allowing you to make more informed pruning decisions.

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