Hi sauna_sue,
Thank you for an intersting question.
Thank you for an interesting question.
According to the site Pruning Ornamental Plants:
http://ag.udel.edu/extension/information/hyg/hyg-72.htmHemlock
Shape in late winter. Shear again in midsummer if needed.
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The Master Gardner - Winter Chores
http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/frederick/2002/winter_chores.htm
"Juniper, yews, hemlock, falsecypress and arborvitea will tolerate
light pruning in spring or summer, if you must prune these plants
heavily do it only in early spring."
"Actually a snow covering insulates and protects plants from winter
temperature extremes."
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Questions and Answers about Hedges and Shrubs
http://www.orchardsedge.com/qa.jsp?category=Hedges+and+Shrubs#35
Question:
When is the proper time to prune a Hemlock?
Answer:
Hemlocks should be pruned before growth begins in late winter/early
spring. Pruning may also be repeated in midsummer if it is necessary
to retain the shape you wish.
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WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PRUNE?
"As a general rule, dead or broken branches can be pruned at any time.
Other pruning- for shape, limbing-up or size maintenance- should be
performed in fall, winter or early spring to minimize stress on the
plant.
Pruning to shape is best done over a period of several years after the
first year or two when the plant is established. Limbing- up is best
performed over a period of years, also. At least two-thirds of the
height of the tree should remain in branched foliage. Never remove
branches higher that one-third the total height of the tree.
Size, maintenance, as in hedge pruning, should be done within the
seasonal guidelines listed. Do not prune any live plant material
during the heat of the summer -- July to early September. Pruning
technique is also important. Using appropriate, well-sharpened tools,
prune such that the branch is removed, but the branch collar remains.
Do not leave stubs and do not cut the branch flush with the trunk .
Leaving the branch collar allows for rapid healing, minimizing
exposure to the pest and disease.
Timing is critical with certain specific trees and shrubs. Following
is a list by season:
Hemlock - Prune in late early spring
(before flowering)"
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TIPS TO HELP PLANTS MAKE IT THROUGH WINTER
"When winter is on the way, it's wise to know what actions you should
take to ensure plant survival.
Make sure plants are healthy going into winter. Some varieties benefit
from one last feeding. Trees and turf in your landscape need this type
of attention. Generally no more fertilizer should be applied to
perennials after July so that plants can harden better before winter.
Check for pests. Many insects--like aphids and lacewings-feed until
the first hard freeze. Pest infestations can force plants into an
early dormancy that decreases winter survival.
Mulching protects roots and conserves moisture. One to two inches of
bark mulch under the canopy of a plant protect it from sudden changes
in temperature and soil moisture.
Provide extra protection during hard freezes. Cover your most
cold-sensitive shrubs with old blankets. If you use plastic, don't let
it touch leaves-it conducts cold that can harm extremities.
Continue watering if necessary. Outdoor plants need water, even when
they aren't actively growing. Periods of extended drought make plants
more susceptible to cold injury. Watering up to one inch per week is
recommended during dry months (before the ground freezes) with no
snowfall.
Avoid pruning within six weeks of the average first frost date. Late
fall pruning can result in new growth that does not have time to
harden off before winter."
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Best regards,
tlspiegel |
