Tree pruning "opens up" the area (figure A) where an Asian sitting area will be created. Steps: - Remove any grass or weeds from your space, taking care not to damage any tree surface roots.
- Water down the space 24 hours in advance.
- Prune any trees in the space as needed. Prune as little as possible, and prune in such a way that the tree doesn't look like it's been cut.
- Make your pruning cuts on the outside of the stem collar at the base of the branch.
- Make two cuts on the branch, the first one from the bottom up making a small, wedged shape cut near the stem collar. Make the second cut from the top a little further out, and cut all the way through the branch. Cut off any remaining stub close to the stem collar on the branch side.
- Prune heavy branches in two steps. Support heavy branches to prevent tears in the bark. First, cut away the branch further out (figure B) from where you'll make your clean cuts near the stem collar. Then do your final cuts (figure C).
- Using a water based liquid latex paint that is the same color as the bark of the tree, paint over the cut wounds (figure D) to prevent pests and disease from entering.
RESOURCES :
Plants from Monrovia Growers
Monrovia Growers
Website: www.monrovia.com
GUESTS :
Frank McDonough
E-mail: frank.mcdonough@arboretum.org
Website: www.arboretum.org
Nan Sterman
Email: nsterman@plantsoup.com
Garden Writer & Teacher
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