From claustrophobic corridor to airy hideaway, our courtyard once more became a quiet and inviting place to read, watch the birds or simply relax in the sun. I think many gardeners, even some of us who have been working around plants for years, hesitate to edit shrubs and trees during the growing season. We find that pruning is difficult enough during winter, when plants are dormant. But knowledgeable gardeners understand that, occasionally, summer pruning is necessary. And, if done with care, it has no adverse impact on the plant.
Common sense is an excellent pruning guide.
Getting crazy with the shears now would result in noticeable lack of flowers during July, August and September. But that still leaves many possible candidates for early summer pruning. Let's concentrate today on a family of trees common to Western Oregon, the conifers. These large trees can be found in many gardens, even smaller suburban gardens. They're gorgeous, but a single untouched mature tree can plunge your entire garden into deep shade.