Re: [Fwd: Acacia et al.]

>Don't even get started on the atrocities that are committed in the name of
>"pruning."  There's more than enough to fill a book on that subject!
>
>Kurt		K1MIZE@aol.com

+++++----------------
	While I agree with you, there are a few things that can be said
that "neophytes" need to hear.
	If something is a rank grower like privet, don't just keep clipping
the outside, it will soon look spindly and bare. Every year go in and cut
one third of the oldest canes all the way back to the ground. Old wood
doesn't produce leaves very well. So after three years you will have a
rejuvenated bush or hedge and it will be full and green and full of leaves!
You might even be a little heavy the first time and do half.
	One of the things to look for, especially in young trees are
branches that cannot ever be good ones. Reduce the narrow crotches, this is
where trees split. Remove young branches that point back into the center of
the tree. Cut them all the way back to the branch where they originated.
You probably cannot kill a bush or tree by pruning, but you can ruin its
looks. Try to visualize where it's going and help it.
	Be very careful of cutting the "leader". It will invariably send
out two new ones and next year you will have to train a new leader by
pruning one of them! Otherwise it will form a crotch and later the two
halves of the tree will work against each other and probably split!!
	Well, I've stuck my neck out. I invite people to correct or support
what I've said. After all, I have a right to learn too.		---Chas---
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