Ask Gerry
Trees and Shrubs : Pruning
1 - 6 of 140 answer(s)
Clematis pruning
I have a small pale pink early flowering clematis. the roots are well protected. I have always cut it back but last year I left and it is budding half way up the stem. will I leave it as it has never really establied well and is still very stringy looking. it is about 5 years old.
160120121, Tullamore, Co Offaly Posted: 24/01/2012
If it is an early flowering kind, it should not be pruned until after flowering, if at all, or perhaps even few years as it needs.
Clematis does not have to be cut back each year, just if it gets too big. Leave it be and see how it does and then decide on whether it needs to be reduced in size or not.
Pruning of clematis for size reduction, not for flowering.
moving a magnolia!!
Can I move a magnolia now, any advice re same ?
annev, blackrock, Co Dublin Posted: 21/11/2011
Magnolia can be moved when dormant but seems to do best when moved in March.
Garden shredder
I need to buy a shredder to deal with a lot of shrub and tree cuttings up to 40 mm on an ongoing basis. I want one that will stand the pace and not pack up after a couple of seasons. I'd pay up to €300, but would be willing to pay more if you you were to recommend a particular one.
marcopolo, Clondalkin, Co Dublin Posted: 11/11/2011
For that kind of money, there is no shredder that can deal with 40mm timber. You could go to some hire outlets and see what they are offering, and you can get a machine to suit and yo will get a better idea of what will deal with what.
Photinia Red Robin
I have a photinia Red Robin hedge since august 2010. I havnt prunned it yet cos its thriving,new growth past two weeks. when should i cut it back?
JAVA, ardrahan, Co Galway Posted: 31/10/2011
You can clip it next April and / or August.
box
is it still ok to trim box in october
081020111, newtown, Co Tipperary Posted: 08/10/2011
Box is best clipped by late summer, early September at the latest because it can be damaged by frost on late-clipped foliage.
Cut neighbours trees back ?
My neighbour has some trees that are growing into my garden. I want to cut back these overlapping braches without damaging the tree. When is the best time to cut back these overlapping branches ? and is there any particular way i should be cutting them ?
Thanks ,
springmind, Dublin, Co Dublin Posted: 07/10/2011
If tree branches cross a boundary line, they can be cut off at the line. The cut branches remaion the property of the owner neighbour.
Cutting branches part way along is not ideal for the tree as the cut snags can lead to disease. These are better cut where they arise on the trunk or major limbs.
It would be best to get the neighbours agreement to cut branches in the correct place and remove.
Decidouous trees, except cherries, are best cut in winter and evergreens in spring. Cherries are best pruned in summer.