What Happens When You Cut Budding Branches?

It’s been said that the best time to prune trees is in late winter, early spring. This is also when many trees and shrubs may also be getting ready to bloom. So, what happens when you cut budding branches? It could have both positive and negative impacts on the plant.

What Pruning Does to Plants

Pruning is important for multiple reasons:

• Encourages new growth
• Enhances overall plant health
• Improves air circulation and light penetration
• Shapes the plant for a stronger structure and more aesthetically pleasing appearance
• Reduces competition among branches

Even with all of these benefits, there are some downsides to pruning at the wrong time. If the tree flowers in the spring, pruning in the late winter will likely limit the blooms the following season. However, it could also mean a healthier tree and more blooms next year. Pruning fruit trees too early may not yield as much produce in the same year, but you could end up with a bumper crop later on. If you’re unsure about the right time to prune, there are some common tips to follow.

• Remember the three Ds. Cut anything dead, diseased, and damaged. This way your plant can send more nutrients to healthy foliage. For vegetables, add a 4th D: dragging. Prune leaves dragging on the ground to help prevent spreading disease.
• Let the light shine in. Shape the plant so the top is more narrow than the bottom, especially when it comes to fruit trees. Shaded branches are more likely to produce less fruit.
• Consider offshoots. Since pruning encourages new growth, you’ll need to decide if you want your plant full or tall. Cut lower branches if you want upward growth, and cut branch and stem tips if you want to encourage horizontal growth for fuller plants.
• Prune after blooms fade. Once the plant has flowered, feel free to prune after the colors fade. Many flowers also benefit from deadheading and may trigger more flower production.

No matter when or what you prune, make sure your tools are clean and sharp. Disinfect any shears, especially after cutting any diseased or pest-infested plants. Dull blades may cause branches to tear, making it harder for cuts to heal. A sharp edge makes a cleaner cut for more efficient pruning.