Lawn and Garden Care: Pruning

Mongi Zekri

Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin Huff, Trequan McGee, andJuanita Popenoe

After the harvest season in any peach orchard, large or small, while daily picking may have ceased, the focus quickly shifts to how to manage the trees to support the subsequent year's crop. The strong apical dominance of peach trees will cause them to continuously put energy into upward growth, which ultimately shades out and hinders the development of fruiting wood in the lower portion of the canopy.

Edward F. Gilman

Douglas A. Phillips andJeffrey G. Williamson

Pruning is an essential part of blueberry production and is used to help establish new plantings; promote postharvest growth of new foliage and fruiting wood; balance vegetative and reproductive growth; reduce disease and certain insect pressure; assist in harvesting efficiency; and promote new cane growth and plant longevity. The following is a discussion of pruning practices on southern highbush blueberry in Florida.

Timothy K. Broschat

Perhaps the most fundamental question to answer when discussing palm pruning is what should a healthy, properly pruned palm look like? Consumers must be educated that palms are supposed to have round crowns, not feather-duster crowns.

Ali Sarkhosh and James Ferguson

Edward F. Gilman
Other Contacts: Ryan Klein

There are many misperceptions about trees and their care. Many have been passed from one generation to the next without critical evaluation. Each of the statements in this document is true. Each is discussed with regards to the most recent research findings.

Muhammad A. Shahid andAli Sarkhosh

This article aims to provide a general overview of growth habits, fruiting patterns, and pruning requirements/timing for county and state Extension faculty, growers, homeowners, and students interested in growing floricane blackberries in Florida. Written by Muhammad A. Shahid and Ali Sarkhosh, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, March 2023.

Gary W. Knox, Edward F. Gilman, Teagan Young, Ryan W. Klein, and Leynar Leyton

Pruning is one of the most controversial aspects of maintaining crapemyrtle. Traditionally, many crapemyrtles were routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called "crape murder" because most people dislike the winter appearance and many professionals believe the practice impacts crapemyrtle health and structural integrity. UF/IFAS research has clarified the effects of various crapemyrtle pruning practices that resulted in the recommendations in this publication.

Bethany J. Lee, Alyssa Vinson, Armando Ubeda, Savanna Barry, andAnna Braswell

Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal trees that sequester carbon, filter water, act as buffers from storms, and provide habitat for wildlife. In Florida, three native species—Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), Avicennia germinans (black mangrove), and Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove)—each with unique adaptations to salinity and hydrology, thrive along distinct zones of the intertidal gradient. As mangrove ecosystems migrate northward with climate change, their ecological value and economic value grow. But they face growing threats from development, pollution, and mismanagement. Improper trimming practices can harm mangroves' health and resilience, especially along developed coastlines. This publication aims to educate landowners, property managers, and the public on the ecological importance of mangroves, while providing best practices for responsible trimming and long-term preservation.

Rachel Gutner, Tina McIntyre, Tiare Saracino, Hamutahl Cohen, Hamutahl Cohen, Esen A. Momol, andEsen Momol
Other Contacts: Claire Lewis

Maintaining an edible landscape using the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles provides a practical approach to food production in the home environment. Integrating pest management strategies, addressing nutrient deficiencies, proper pruning techniques, timely harvesting, and mulching are all practices that contribute to having a healthy edible landscape. The audience for this publication is Floridian homeowners attempting to grow edibles, such as vegetables, fruits and herbs.