Ames, Iowa. Removing stems and branches may seem like a daunting task at first, but pruning a plant is a great way to invest in its long-term health. Removing dead or crowded branches improves the visual appeal of a tree or shrub, promotes fruiting, and helps ensure a long productive life.
        The end of winter and early spring is the perfect time to prune many of the shade and fruit trees in Iowa. This year, the Iowa State University extension and horticulture specialists have put together a plethora of materials that discuss the basics of pruning woody plants.
        One of the resources highlighted in this guide is the Pruning Principles video series available on the Integrated Pest Management YouTube channel. In this article series, Jeff Ailes, professor and chair of horticulture at Iowa State University, discusses when, why, and how to prune trees.
       “I like to prune while dormant because the leaves are gone, I can see the structure of the plant, and when the tree starts to grow in the spring, the pruning wounds begin to heal very quickly,” says Ayers.
        Another article in this guide discusses the appropriate time to prune various types of woody trees and shrubs, including oaks, fruit trees, shrubs, and roses. For most deciduous trees, the best time to prune in Iowa is from February to March. Oak trees should be pruned a little earlier, between December and February, to prevent oak blight, a potentially fatal fungal disease. Fruit trees should be pruned from late February to early April, and deciduous shrubs in February and March. Many types of roses can die due to Iowa’s cold winters, and gardeners should remove all dead trees in March or early April.
        The guide also includes an article from the Gardening and Home Pest News website that covers basic pruning equipment, including hand pruners, shears, saws, and chainsaws. Hand pruners or shears can be used to cut plant material up to 3/4″ in diameter, while loppers are best for trimming branches from 3/4″ to 1 1/2″. For larger materials, a pruning or tall saw can be used.
       Although chainsaws can also be used to remove large branches, they can be very dangerous for those who are not trained or experienced in using them, and should mainly be used by professional arborists.
       To access these and other pruning resources, visit https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/your-complete-guide-pruning-trees-and-shrubs.
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