LANDSCAPE (SEASONAL MAINTENANCE)

Pruning for Healthy Plants

• Evergreen herbaceous perennials and shrubs (such as coast aster, lilac verbena, coffeeberry, toyon, coyote brush, ceanothus and manzanitas) can be pruned in the fall for rejuvenation.

• Shaping is better done by pruning plants right after they flower, unless fruits are desired for their wildlife or ornamental value.

• Semi-evergreen species (such as Matilija poppy, shrubby monkeyflowers, goldenrods, irises, and sages) can be pruned as they slow down and enter a resting period, usually in late summer to early winter. Depending on the weather and your watering practices, growth may not completely stop even during that time.

About Leaf Blowers

Do not use leaf blowers, these are harmful to the environment both for noise and air pollution as well as for the balance of the wildlife ecosystem. Leaf blowers blow away mulch, topsoil decreasing your plants ability to regulate temperature and retain moisture. Leaf blowers are also a fire hazard due to the engine heat and the sparks they can generate. Use a rake instead.

Pruning for Healthy Plants

• Because so many of our California woody plants are dormant in summer and do their growing when the rain kicks in, the deep of winter is usually the wrong time for pruning. Exceptions to that rule include pines. For these species, plan on making any needed structural cuts in December or January. Annual, finer pruning work on pines can be scheduled for October or November.

• Winter-deciduous species (e.g. western redbud, creek dogwood, maples, and deciduous oaks) should be pruned during their dormant period, after leaf drop. It is much easier to spot structural problems such as crossing limbs at this time of the year, and to observe where removal of a specific branch will result in a more desirable shape.

• When it comes to structural pruning for winter-deciduous dormant trees (such as western redbud, creek dogwood, maples and deciduous oaks – not live oaks that are evergreen), review the basic rules of pruning: develop and refer to a multi-year plan, and don’t take too much off at once. Solve problems first, like crossing branches or those moving into the center of the tree. Prevent future problems by removing problem branches while they are still twigs. California pines are in deepest dormancy during the coldest time of year. Pruning in December and January will minimize sap run, and, in turn, minimize the hazard of attracting beetles to the tree.

Pruning for Healthy Plants

• Prune deciduous trees (before they leaf out), remove waterspouts and suckers. Look for nesting birds before you prune. Protected species require a permit before pruning. Whenever there is any doubt about clearing or thinning native brush, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife should be consulted. Check our section on Protected Species for more information.

• Oak trees in particular are a protected species in California and require permitting. Check our section on Oak Woodlands for more information.

Weeds

Spring is a critical time to pay attention to weeds that have sprouted in response to the winter rains. Check for the presence of any invasive species and remove them. Learn more about invasives in our dedicated section.

Pruning for Healthy Plants

• Most plants will benefit from occasional corrective pruning, and all will benefit from the removal of dead wood. Time the pruning of individual plants over several years to allow them to recover. Try pruning about 1/3 of your plants in a given year, so that all are pruned at the end of three years.

• Regularly remove dead material and branches from your trees and shrubs. For deciduous trees and shrubs, prune before they lose their leaves, when it is easier to see the dead branches.

• Hand-prune inside branches to reduce flush of growth. Hedging and shearing alone results in weak, fast growth and more fuel.

• Prune Coast Live Oak trees in July-August, during dormancy period. It is best to prune when the dry weather is less likely to support pathogens that may attack the wounds. As much as possible, avoid pruning large limbs as this exposes the tree to possible infection and can take many years to recover. Avoid over-thinning interior branches or “lion tailing”. California oak tree trimming laws vary from city to city. Wider, taller and older oaks cannot legally be trimmed or felled without a permit throughout the state, but check with local city or county administrators to find out how the law applies to oak trees in a specific location. Check our section on Oak Woodlands for more information.

Lean and Planning

Late summer is a good time to begin planning for the fall planting season. Local botanical gardens or community colleges host design classes that will help you make the most of your garden. Visit plantright.org to find recommended alternatives to invasive plants.