[net.garden] Pruning Mugo

joeloda@aicchi.UUCP (Joseph D. Loda) (09/29/85)

Help!  We have some Mugho pine tree/bushes flanking either side of our front
walk, and they have grown over the concrete.  I want to prune them, but I have
received "advice" saying that if I do, those branches will never grow again.

So, how do I prune these?  They need to be shaped so as to not hange over
the sidewalk.  

Any and all advice appreciated.  Please mail responses; I will summarize if
anyone is interested.  Thanks.
-- 
Joe Loda
Analysts International (Chicago Branch)
(312) 882-4673
..!ihnp4!aicchi!joeloda

smh@rduxb.UUCP (henning) (09/29/85)

> Help!  We have some Mugho pine tree/bushes flanking either side of our front
> walk, and they have grown over the concrete.  I want to prune them, but I have
> received "advice" saying that if I do, those branches will never grow again.

Pines in general do not form buds on old wood.  Therefore they are usually
pruned when the candles are young such as the middle of July or the first
week in August at the very latest.  Then growth buds for the next season's
growth form on the part of the candle that is left. (A candle is the new
growth that comes out in the spring on Pine trees.)
If you prune the woody part of a Pine it will usually die back to the
next whorl.  If you are pruning the woody part and realize that
you will not get any new growth from the woody part, spring is the best
time to prune since the wounds will heal more quickly.