| What to Prune Trees and Shrubs Pruning can be used not only to manage tree or bush size, but it can help with the growth of the tree and produce better fruit. Some trees, such as apple and cherry trees, should have minimal pruning, whereas nectarine and peach trees require much more pruning. Shrubbery is pruned for several reasons. Health of the shrub is one of the primary reasons and includes removal of dead branches, allowing for new growth. Appearance is another reason many gardeners and homeowners prune their shrubbery. Giving room for flowering shrubs to produce more flowers. Safety can also be a reason for pruning. Overgrown shrubbery can block sidewalks, driveways and roadways. It can also obscure vision at intersections. If unsure how much to prune, check with your local nursery or garden center. If possible, it is always best to prune tree branches or twigs when they are smaller. It will be easier and the wound will close faster. 
Roses Roses are pruned to eliminate dead or diseased stems, allow more penetration of air and sunshine, and enhance the overall shape and look of the roses. Eliminate dead or diseased stems as well as very thin branches. If the stem is dead or diseased it will appear dark brown and withered. This should be done at the start of your pruning process. Berry Bushes Pruning of berry bushes will help to encourage better, stronger and fuller growth as well as more fruit. It will also help control the spread of diseases throughout the berry plants. Remove any branches that are grayish and appear to be "dead." Remove any really thin branches and any really short branches. Tomato Plants Pruning of tomatoes will help to encourage better, stronger and fuller growth as well as larger tomatoes. Remove "suckers" which are branches that emerge between the main stems of the plant when they appear. You want to have only the main stem and one other major stem on each tomato plant. If suckers are not removed, the plant will grow rampantly and will not have as large of tomatoes as those plants who are pruned. A word of caution: make sure you do not prune too many leaves, since a lack of leaves can lead to the tomatoes getting "sunburn." Safer®Brand brings you a variety of effective garden care products that are gentler on the environment! Most of them proudly display the OMRI Listed® organic seal and comply for use in organic gardening! 
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