As we get our homes in order for the new year, we must be mindful of improving the home's "bottom line". Just as one builds home equity through the years, home value may also increase yearly with a wisely planned and cared for landscape. With this in mind, a plan to meet monthly goals should be prepared and January presents itself to pruning.

"Proper pruning enhances the beauty of almost any landscape tree and shrub, while improper pruning can ruin or greatly reduce its landscape potential. In most cases, it is better not to prune than to do it incorrectly. In nature, plants go years with little or no pruning, but man can ruin what nature has created. By using improper pruning methods healthy plants are often weakened or deformed. In nature, every plant eventually is pruned in some manner. It may be a simple matter of low branches being shaded by higher ones resulting in the formation of a collar around the base of the branch restricting the flow of moisture and nutrients. Eventually the leaves wither and die and the branch then drops off in a high wind or storm. Often, tender new branches of small plants are broken off by wild animals in their quest for food. In the long run, a plant growing naturally assumes the shape that allows it to make the best use of light in a given location and climate. All one needs to do to appreciate a plant's ability to adapt itself to a location is to walk into a wilderness and see the beauty of natural growing plants.

Pruning, like any other skill, requires knowing what you are doing to achieve success. The old idea that anyone with a chain saw or a pruning saw can be a landscape pruner is far from the truth. More trees are killed or ruined each year from improper pruning than by pests. Remember that pruning is the removal or reduction of certain plant parts that are not required, that are no longer effective, or that are of no use to the plant. It is done to supply additional energy for the development of flowers, fruits, and limbs that remain on the plant. Pruning, which has several definitions, essentially involves removing plant parts to improve the health, landscape effect, or value of the plant. Once the objectives are determined and a few basic principles understood, pruning primarily is a matter of common sense.....

Reasons for Pruning
. To train the plant
. To maintain plant health
. To improve the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage or stems
. To restrict growth

Pruning should follow a definite plan. Consider the reason or purpose before cutting begins." (Source: AgriLife Extension, "Follow Proper Pruning Techniques" by Douglas F. Welsh, Extension Horticulturist and Everett Janne, Extension Landscape Horticulturist (retired), Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M System)

As we head into the new year, let us plan, prepare and prune properly to enhance the value and beauty of one's greatest assets...the family home.