EUGENE, Ore. – As the gardening season winds down, pruning becomes a top priority for green thumbs in the Willamette Valley.
According to Caleb Johnson with Johnson Brothers Garden Market, proper pruning techniques can make a significant difference in plant health and productivity. Johnson shared essential tips for pruning roses, blueberries, and fruit trees. For roses, he recommended cutting them down to a claw shape, leaving three to five larger canes trimmed to six to eight inches. This helps the plant conserve energy for new growth.
For blueberries, Johnson advised a gentler approach.
“You really want to just lightly top and shape them,” Johnson said, emphasizing the importance of removing low-hanging branches to prevent them from touching the ground and to promote better air circulation.
When it comes to fruit trees, Johnson suggested removing lower branches and any that crisscross or compete for light. Maintaining a strong leader branch and lightly topping the tree can make harvesting more manageable.
Gardeners should wait until plants are fully dormant, typically between November and January, before starting the pruning process.
Chelsea Deffenbacher joined KEZI 9 News as a morning news anchor and reporter in January of 2024. If you have a story idea for Chelsea, you can email her at: chelseadeffenbacher@kezi.com.
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