Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
February 20, 2004

     As the weather changes and the temperatures are more conducive for outdoor projects, questions often arise about pruning. Many feel the key to proper pruning is decided by the weather. In many cases this is correct, but not always. Below are typical pruning questions I always receive in early spring.
    Question: Is now the best time to prune grapes? Answer: Yes, grapes both scuppernong and bunch grapes can be pruned in February and March.
    Question: I am new to the area and I notice many are pruning crape myrtles now. Is this a good time to prune crape myrtles and how should they be pruned?
Answer: Crape myrtles are best pruned in mid March to avoid late cold damage. Cold damage will delay summer bloom. Crape myrtles are unique in they are plants that are available either as a tree or small shrub. They can be cut back to the ground and still come back. This plant can also be left alone and grow to a beautiful tree without annual pruning and still have beautiful flowers.
    Question: Is it too late to prune peach and apple trees?
    Answer: No. The later you prune peaches the better. Pruning stimulates bloom and with late frosts, it's best to prune them as late as you can-at least by mid March.
    Question: I want to top a large shade tree in my yard. When is the best time to top a large tree?
Answer: I do not recommend topping trees. There is no good season for this practice. Some prune them in the dormant season. I generally discourage the practice unless warranted by utility lines or severely damaged by ice or wind. Those that understand tree growth and development recommend judicious pruning of dead, damaged or problem branches.
    Question: I want to cut my boxwood hedge way back. When can I do this?
    Answer: Severe pruning of boxwoods, holly and other evergreen shrubs is best done in mid March when the danger of a late freeze is over. However, judicious pruning can be done year round.
    Question: I have a dogwood limb that is in the way when I mow my lawn. Can I cut the limb now?
Answer: Yes. Judicious pruning or removal of a low growing tree limbs can be removed most any time of the year without extensive damage. The key word to remember is judicious.
    Question: Can I use pruning paint to protect the pruning cuts on my trees?
    Answer: Pruning paint is not recommended for pruning cuts. Research has proven pruning paint is of no benefit. In fact it has been proven that pruning paint may harbor some diseases. Pruning paint is recommended for tips of freshly pruned roses for borer control.