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MASTER THE ART OF OBSERVING Regular observation goes a long way in the landscape. When trees and shrubs have damage or dieback, pruning is necessary to improve the look of the plant and slow disease. Sometimes branches and limbs need to be removed to increase visibility and improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians. Perhaps lower branches need to be pruned from an ornamental tree to keep your "sun" bed in the sun. Additionally, eliminating issues such as crossed branches or suckers (vigorous sprouts at the base of trees) also maintains the health of the plants. THE WHYS AND HOWS I've covered a few of the whys of pruning, now a few of the hows. There is actually a science to making the right pruning cuts. While some gardeners love to get the shears and shave off the outer growth of hollies, boxwoods and other evergreen shrubs, this actually isn't the best method. Each time a pruning cut is made, plant hormones stimulate new growth at that spot . So when you cut one branch, several more will emerge from that point . The practice of shearing shrubs leads to a dense outer canopy of growth, which shades inner growth and prevents good air and water movement . Twigs and branches are commonly cut back to a main stem or trunk, stopping just at the outside of the "collar" tissue, which is commonly noticeable. Avoid leaving a stump because this is a good entry point for insects and disease. Alternatively, don't cut completely flush to the larger stem. This removes the collar tissue, which actually regrows and covers the wound left from pruning. "Every single day, I feel a sense of gratitude to Dr. Hendricks and her team for their dogged determination to develop a treatment plan for me. What a gift they are to me! I am one thankful woman!" Patient Confirmed W O R L D - C L A S S H E A L T H C A R E C L O S E T O H O M E www.centralgacancercare.com MACON | WARNER ROBINS "Cancer is hard but it is so comforting being cared for by a staff that really cares for you as a person. They all are so good at what they do and are some of the kindest people you will ever meet." "Central Georgia Cancer Care has great doctors. They treat you like family." "Dr. Sumrall is very informativ e and does a great job of explaining my situation and treatment plan in a way I can understand. I know he truly cares about me." "I have been seeing Dr. Moore since being diagnosed with breast cancer. He has been so wonderful to work with and always puts me at ease." SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: maconmagazine.com PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER SMITH FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 | maconmagazine.com 87