Buds seem to be bursting early this year. Sap is already starting to rise, and dormancy is breaking. Time is running out for the last of the winter pruning jobs.
I have finished pruning apples
and pears across Shropshire and Powys. I think that all the Wisteria on my list are trained and pruned, so today I tackled the ornamental sycamores (Acer platanoides) in my own garden.
The images above and below are 'beforehand' pictures. The basic spherical shape of the tree can clearly be seen in the centre, while outside is the previous year's growth: straight shoots between 50 and 100cm in length.
The aim of the pruning is to bring the tree back to around the same size as last winter, creating a good shape with no crossing branches or diseased wood.
Using a newly sharpened telescopic pruner to reach the branches while my feet are on the ground, rather than a ladder, each branch is cut to just above a new leaf bud (see image below).
Working by hand, methodically along each branch allows time to think about the shape which you are aiming for, and to notice potential problems like damage or disease before they arise
The result (left): a neat shaped tree in proportion with the border below.
Come the summer, the tree will give a stunning display of large creamy edged leaves.
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