What are the principles of pruning and shaping ornamental trees in ecological gardens?

What are the principles of pruning and shaping ornamental trees in ecological gardens?

1. Prune and shape according to the tree's use in the garden

Different pruning and shaping measures produce different responses; trees have different uses in the garden, so the requirements for pruning and shaping also differ. For example, Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) keeps a natural tree form when planted as a specimen, but when used as a hedge it is often heavily pruned into a formal tree form.

2. Prune and shape according to the biological characteristics of the tree species

2.1 Growth and development characteristics of the tree species.Different tree species differ in growth and development characteristics, so corresponding pruning and shaping methods are needed. Trees with strong branching ability and tolerance of heavy pruning can be pruned multiple times. Trees with weak branching ability should be pruned lightly. Trees that bloom in spring and whose flower buds grow at the tips of one-year-old branches or in leaf axils should be pruned during the dormant period. Trees with terminal flower buds should not be cut back during the dormant period or before flowering.

2.2 Tree species and tree age.Young trees should be pruned lightly, so as to avoid reducing cold resistance and delaying flowering. Adult trees are at their best ornamental period and have the strongest stress resistance, so various pruning methods should be used comprehensively to regulate the relationship between flowering, fruiting and growth. Senescent trees should be mainly heavily pruned, so as to renew and rejuvenate them.

3. Prune and shape according to the site environment of the tree species

The growth and development of trees are closely related to environmental conditions. Even if the purpose of landscaping is the same, the pruning and shaping methods differ with different site conditions. For example, a singly planted tree is usually mainly in a natural style, while in windy places, the trunk height should be lowered and the crown should be appropriately thinned.