Should I prune the dead branches?
taras1949
last year
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (17)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last yearluis_pr
last yearRelated Discussions
Orchid Tree
Comments (3)Well, I nicked the trunk with a knife and it is green beneath the bark. Even some of the branches, though thin, seem to be slightly green inside. After mornings with freeze I've been watering it with a watering can with hot water so the roots warm off quickly. When should the orchid tree begin leading out again? It's the first I've ever planted. I know crape myrtles are late to leaf out generally but started doing so in early March last year because of our warmer climate....See MoreWhat is happening to my japanese maple
Comments (0)I have had a japanese maple on the corner of my property for 7-8 years. It was approx 3' when I planted it and has grown to be approx 15' tall and 10' in diameter. This spring almost 1/3 of the tree appears dead. There are no leaves on the branches and the bark is pealing. The other 2/3 of the tree looks fine-healthy leaves and branches. It gets moderate sun, good drainage and water. What could be happening to it? I would hate to loose such a beautiful tree. Should I prune the dead branches off? It seems like too much to take off....See MorePruning/maintaining my Ficus tree
Comments (5)I'd enjoy taking on that challenge. I love to prune but hate to repot. Anyway, you need to prune all the heavy branches back hard. This is hard to explain, but I'll try. Branches are numbered by order. The trunk is the first order, branches growing from the trunk are second order, branches growing from second order branches are third order, and so on. For today's purpose, I'm going to call the heavy branches that are really extensions of the trunks, second order branches. First, focus on a heavy second order branch and start visually following it back to the trunk. Prune the second order heavy branch on the far side of the second higher order (third) branch or leaf from the trunk. Let's say the image ^^^ is a branch and it's attached to the trunk at the D. The image shows where you prune the heavy branches. So you want to leave only 2 separate green things (that would be a green leaf or a branch) on the heavy second order branches. If either or both of the green things on the heavy branch are smaller third order branches with more than 2 green leaves, cut them back to 2 leaves. When you're done pruning the entire tree, no branch should have more than 2 leaves or higher order branches growing from it. The leaves count as branches because after you prune, new branches will grow in the crotch of the leaf. Look closely where I removed the leaves - there's a stub. Note the branches growing in the crotch where the leaf was. That (back-budding) will happen to your tree when you prune the branches. Even the heavy branches growing upward should be pruned back so there are only 2 smaller branches or leaves on them. If you do that and provide a couple of images after work is done on the tree, maybe I can help you sort out the snarl of fine branches, which is what you want to use for the top of the tree. Al...See MoreFig: Which branches should I prune to promote fruiting next season?7a
Comments (3)I prefer to trim my figs in the Spring once the limbs show signs of life, some limbs may not survive a winter that's too cold so it's best to trim off the dead wood after winter. Sometimes the entire tree/bush can die back to ground level under extremely cold conditions. The roots do send up new growth but no fruit for that year. Right now I'd remove any limbs that are likely to grow against the siding, winds can cause the limbs to scratch up the siding if not kept under control. Your fig tree should be further away from the foundation but you may realize that now.....enough of my preaching ;-) Happy Harvest!...See Moretaras1949
last yearluis_pr
last yearlast modified: last yeartaras1949
last yeargardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last yearlast modified: last yeardjacob Z6a SE WI
last yearcharles kidder
12 months agolast modified: 12 months agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 months agotaras1949
12 months agocharles kidder
12 months agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 months agocharles kidder
12 months agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 months agotaras1949
10 months agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
10 months ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDES6 Branches and Berries to Spruce Up Holiday Decor
Bring garden cuttings in from the cold to warm up seasonal arrangements and decorate your home for the holidays
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESWhen Is the Right Time to Prune Your Hydrangeas?
The type of hydrangea you have determines when it’s time to trim
Full StoryGARDENING 101Key Pruning Terms to Help You Shape Up Your Garden
Learn why heading back, crown raising and other practices are essential for your plants’ health and beauty
Full StoryWINTER GARDENINGHow to Prune Your Fruit Trees in Winter
Garden chores may slow down this season, but pruning your fruit trees now means healthier plants that will produce more
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGot Frost-Damaged Plants? How It Happens, and When and How to Prune
Crispy brown leaves are a sure sign that Jack Frost has been to your neighborhood
Full StoryDINING ROOMSNew This Week: Proof the Formal Dining Room Isn’t Dead
Could graphic wallpaper, herringbone-patterned floors, wine cellars and fire features save formal dining rooms from extinction?
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms
Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTidy Up Sprawling Native Shrubs With These Pruning Tips
Sound horticultural pruning methods work for native and nonnative plants alike
Full StoryGARDENING 101When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?
Pruning keeps plants healthy. Find out the best time to cut back flowering trees, needle-bearing shrubs and more
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESBranches and Twigs for More Than Just Decor
Think beyond the vase with twigged-out railings, gates, room dividers and more
Full StorySponsored
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5