Ornamental trees and shrubs are of particular importance in the design of any green space, from parks and green streets, to hedges, gardens and courtyards. In order to maintain a pleasant appearance, ornamental trees and shrubs require adequate care, depending on the species, growing conditions, state of health and the desired appearance. Two of the main care works regarding ornamental species are represented by cutting and pruning.

The optimal period for cuttings

In the case of most ornamental trees and shrubs, cutting works are preferably carried out at the end of dormancy, shortly before entering the vegetative growth period. This time interval differs depending on the biological properties of the species and the existing climatic conditions. The cuttings can also be carried out outside the vegetative growth season (in winter), immediately after starting the vegetative growth (in early spring) or even in full vegetative growth season (in spring-summer), depending on the tolerance of each individual species. The period in which these works should be avoided is at the end of summer and autumn, until the start of the dormancy period. During this period, the annual tendrils become lignified and prepared for the cold season, a process that can be interrupted by the cutting works. As a result, recently cut, non-lignified trees can be prone to damage caused by frost and cold wind.

Pruning

The pruning of ornamental trees and shrubs include interventions to remove damaged or dry portions, by cutting them. The removal of these parts of the plant can be done at any time of the year. However, it is recommended to avoid periods with extreme temperatures and humidity: days with very high temperatures, respectively periods with temperatures below 5 ℃.

Since the portions damaged by various biotic or abiotic factors represent ways of infestation with various pathogens, it is recommended that pruning be carried out as soon as possible after these damages occur. In addition, after removing the affected portions, it is recommended to treat the wounds with products specially formulated for this purpose.

Regeneration cuttings

Like pruning, regeneration cuttings for ornamental trees and shrubs are carried out in order to obtain a pleasant, rich appearance. The work consists in removing old branches and portions of the plant, respectively stimulating the formation of new branches. At the same time, branches with poor vegetation, those with oblique growth through the crown or those that prevent the optimal development of the main branches can also be removed.

Crown formation cuttings

These cuttings are applied only to ornamental species which can withstand them, such as thuja, cypress and juniper species, yew, willow, acacia, birch, sycamore maple, hawthorn, dogwood, viburnum, honeysuckle, wild privet, Euonymus species, etc. To obtain geometric or mixed shapes, tree and shrub crowns can be shaped by specific cuttings. Among the most frequently used shapes are the geometric crowns with the following shapes:

• columnar; 
• pyramidal;
• spherical;
• cubic. 

In parks, gardens and green streets of great aesthetic value, complex forms of crowns are used, made by specialists in the field. Among these we mention the shape of the letter “U”, the Cossonnet method, the shape of candelabra and the shape of the Belgian fence (creating a diamond-like pattern), found in the parks and the green streets of the big cities of the world.

In the case of green streets formed by species with vigorous sprouting capacity, it is possible to intervene with a special type of cutting. It involves the removal of all branches from a certain height (2-4 m). Such cuttings are carried out in late autumn or early spring, before entering the vegetative growth period. After starting the vegetative growth period, numerous shoots appear, forming a rich, spherical crown with a pleasant appearance. The work can be performed annually or once every 2-4 years. This type of cutting is also characteristic of trees grown in areas affected by floods, in the floodplains of rivers.

Hedge trimming

Trimming in the case of hedges must be carried out frequently, starting from the year of planting or from the year immediately following planting. By reducing the height of the specimens intended for the hedge, dense and vigorous crowns are obtained. In most of the species used to form hedges, the growth is accentuated after these cuttings, especially in young specimens. Until reaching the optimal dimensions (width and height), it is recommended to reduce the height of the branches to approx. 10-20 cm above the last cut. These cuttings are usually carried out in the spring, before entering the vegetative growth period. After reaching the desired dimensions, they will be trimmed at least twice a year. These interventions are of a maintenance nature, and can be carried out during the vegetative growth season.

Pruning of trees and ornamental shrubs with flowers

Tree and shrub species with an ornamental appearance due to their flowers require special care. Depending on the morphological characteristics of each individual species, it is possible to intervene by:

• Partially removing young branches, in species where the flower buds form on the mature branches and on the stem (e.g. the Judas-tree);
• Removing young branches that bloomed in the previous vegetative growth season (e.g. Vanhoutte spirea, Forsythia, etc.);
• Removing aged branches, to regenerate the plants and to stimulate abundant flowering on young branches (in the case of most species);
• Not carrying out any cuttings, in the species where the flowering takes place on brachyblasts (short branches – e.g. Hawthorn).

Final cutting of ornamental trees and shrubs (felling)

If ornamental trees or shrubs are irreversibly affected by the action of some biotic or abiotic factors (aging, the action of unfavorable climatic conditions, the attack of some pests, the spread of some diseases, etc.), they must be removed. Otherwise, the safety of people, animals and nearby objects can be put at risk. Additionally, these dry or drying specimens can represent sources of infestation with various pathogens. Removal by felling is carried out differently, depending on the size of the specimen. The felling of large specimens is carried out by specialized teams. Increased attention is paid to Occupational Health & Safety (OSH).

General rules for cuttings

• It is recommended to use protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, etc.), especially in the case of interventions with species with thorns or with toxic plant parts;
• Only well-sharpened and previously disinfected instruments will be used;

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• Injuries to trees and shrubs will be avoided during cutting;
• After cutting, the wounds caused will be treated with products specially formulated for this purpose. The application of solutions based on copper, protective paste, resin, mastic or cicatrizing products can be used.

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• In order to stimulate the healing of the wounds caused, as well as to revitalize the specimens that were pruned, it is recommended to apply specific fertilizers, by spreading and incorporating them at the base of the stem (granules), by watering the roots or by foliar spraying.

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