Prune Out The Dead Wood

One of the great secrets of successful pruning, and the only rule for all of the time, is: prune out the dead wood (it's also a favorite adage of politicians).

Dead wood pruning makes an amazing subconscious impact on the viewer: the landscape seems messy and dirty. You cannot hurt a plant by cutting dead wood; there is no correct season for such pruning; dead wood cannot possibly grow new leaves or add any beauty but it can catch fire. Which, is why pruning out the dead wood is perfect for fire safety.

The California Oak Foundation says, “excessive pruning or thinning of limbs may expose interior branches to sun damage, may stimulate the tree to produce succulent new growth that is subject to mildew, and, in some cases, may cause a decline in vigor or may kill an oak tree. Only dead, weakened, diseased, or dangerous branches should be removed.”