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2torial
#0900:
Learn2
Prune Bushes and Small
Trees
(Continued)
 Thinning
- After you perform your nip-one-one
treatment, you can start tackling the big boys.
And remember--the more often you thin the less
work for you in the long run.
- Your goal is open up a bush so enough
sunlight can get in the middle and enable new
life to grow. To do this, you're going to start
chopping off whole branches.
Which branches can you chop?
As mentioned in Step
3; branches that rub, grow straight out or
otherwise follow no established rules, need to be
eliminated. Very old branches can go as well--just
don't remove more than two or three a year (it
might damage your plant).
Pick the branch that needs to be cut, follow
that branch all the way to the central lead and cut
it off at the joint. Place the blade on the top,
and avoid cutting the collar.
The collar is a section of the branch that
separates the trunk from the branch and protects
the main plant. Think of cutting the collar as
cutting your toenail too short.
Know your styles of bush growth
Knowing how your bush is growing helps you
determine what you should or should not cut.
Central leading branch
This is when many branches are coming out of
one main trunk.When cutting this type of bush,
double check that you've gotten rid of all your
sneak branches. (See Step
3). When cutting the central leading branch
choose an older looking big branch to
remove.
Many-branches-coming-out-of-the-ground
style
Take a look and see where the branches seem
too bunched up. Squeeze your sheers in there and
cut one or two branches as close to the ground
as you can. This will create a stub, which will
die out. Pull out that entire branch, and check
to make sure no other crowding branches are
there.
Work on your nips and buds.
Don't worry if there is a big hole in the bush
after you remove a branch--soon little branches
will come in and fill up the space.
Don't get too carried away: Step back
frequently, study your work and see what needs to
go. When in doubt, don't cut. Go away and come back
to take another look.
 Step
5
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