The Hardest Part Is Cutting

Journal · 6 min read

Everything about pruning feels wrong the first time. You are removing healthy growth from a plant that is visibly doing well, on the promise that it will do better for the loss. The promise is kept, but not until spring.

Cut to a bud facing outward

The direction of the cut decides the shape of next year. Aim the growth away from the centre and the plant stays airy, which is most of what keeps it healthy.

Take less than you think

The common failure is enthusiasm. A plant can lose perhaps a third without complaint; beyond that you are guessing and it will show.

Do it at the right dull moment

Late winter, before anything stirs, is thankless work in cold hands. It is also the only time the structure is visible enough to judge.

Everything about pruning feels wrong until the following spring.

Part of an occasional series.