Gardening is not only about planting and watering, it also involves taking care of your plants with pruning and trimming. Pruning is the process of removing certain parts of a plant to help it grow better and look more pleasing.

Having the right knowledge of pruning techniques is important for a healthy and beautiful garden. Here are some pruning techniques that you can use in your garden:.

1. Deadheading

Deadheading refers to the process of removing dead flower heads from plants. For many flowering plants, once their blooms start to fade, they will stop producing new flowers.

By removing the dead flowers, you are encouraging the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading will also keep your garden looking neater and tidier. Examples of plants that benefit from deadheading include daisies, roses, petunias and marigolds. Use pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut just above the topmost set of leaves.

2. Pinching

Pinching refers to removing the growing tip of a young plant. This technique is often used to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy. When you pinch a plant, it stimulates it to produce more side shoots and leaves.

This technique is best used for herbaceous plants like basil, chrysanthemums, and dahlias. Simply pinch off the topmost set of leaves or stems using your fingers or pruning shears.

3. Thinning

Thinning is the process of removing some of the stems or branches from a plant to promote better growth and air circulation. Thinning is particularly important for fruit trees, roses and shrubs.

By removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood, you are encouraging the plant to channel its energy to healthier stems. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and cut at an angle just above a bud.

4. Heading Back

Heading back is the technique of cutting back a plant’s branches or stems to a certain point. This technique is used to control the size and shape of a plant and stimulate new growth.

Heading back is also used for rejuvenation pruning, which is the process of cutting back an older or overgrown plant to encourage new growth. This technique is commonly used for hedges, topiaries, and some trees like crape myrtles and Japanese maples. Use pruning shears or loppers to make a clean cut at a node or bud.

5. Rejuvenation Pruning

Rejuvenation pruning is the process of heavily cutting back an overgrown or neglected plant to encourage new growth.

This technique is not for the faint of heart as it can significantly alter the appearance of the plant, but it can revitalize a declining plant. Rejuvenation pruning is best done in early spring when the plant is dormant or in late fall after the plant has lost its leaves.

Prune off any dead or diseased wood, and cut back the remaining stems to about a foot or two above the ground using a saw or loppers.

6. Espalier

Espalier is a pruning technique that involves training a tree or shrub to grow against a flat surface such as a wall or fence. This technique not only looks beautiful, but it can also save space in your garden.

Espaliered plants are usually pruned to have a single stem and branches that are trained to grow horizontally across the surface. When pruning espaliered plants, you need to remove any shoots that are growing out of line and prune the branches to maintain their desired shape.

7. Shearing

Shearing is a technique that involves trimming the edges of a plant into a specific shape or pattern. It is commonly used for hedges, topiaries, and formal gardens.

When shearing, you need to use sharp pruning shears and make small, precise cuts to achieve the desired shape. Avoid shearing plants too drastically as this can weaken the plant and lead to poor growth.

8. Crown Reduction

Crown reduction is the process of removing the top of a tree’s crown to reduce its overall height. It is often used on trees that are too close to houses or power lines.

This technique not only reduces the risk of the tree causing damage, but it also stimulates new growth and improves the tree’s overall health. Crown reduction is best done by a professional arborist as it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.

9. Raising the Canopy

Raising the canopy refers to removing the lower branches of a tree to create clearance underneath. This technique is useful for creating a clear space for traffic, lawn mowing, or planting under the tree.

When raising the canopy, you need to be careful not to remove more than one-third of the tree’s total foliage as this can weaken the tree.

10. Brushing

Brushing is a technique that involves removing small branches and twigs from the trunk and main branches of a tree.

This technique is beneficial for trees that have rough bark as it makes it easier for the tree to shed water and promotes better air circulation around the trunk. Brushing can also help to remove any dead or diseased wood from the tree.