Thorns primarily serve as a plant self-defense mechanism against predators, even though they contain vascular tissue that transports fluids and nutrients. Although a lot of plants grow thorns, notably those producing fruit, like gooseberries, barberries and quince, rose bushes are omnipresent with the prickly protrusions. Thorny shrubs work well when used as solitude hedging and natural landscape obstacles, for they discourage animals from entering the enclosed area. Late spring and early winter is the perfect time for pruning most varieties.
Inspect the shrub and identify all branches or canes that protrude over walkways and regions of foot traffic. Prune these branches straight away from the walkway, using bypass hand shears that were sterilized with bleach, to avoid injury or disturbance to passers-by.
Look over the shrub for biting or tangled branches or canes. Explain the weakest, most brittle thorny branches of this band and prune them into the branch collar.
Trim spindly canes to half their length or between 2 and 3 feet, making the cut 1/4-inch above a wholesome bud.
Open the thorny shrub by thinning the earliest branches together with the opposite hand shears or, if bigger than a few inches, a handsaw. Cut the branches into the branch collar. If trimming a vertical-growing branch, cut 2 to 3 inches from bottom level. Thinning the shrub out allows sunlight to reach regions typically blocked from sunlight by the plant branches, enhances aeration and promotes new growth.
Go above the shrub visually to find any branches or canes affected by insects or disease. Cut all affected branches and canes till you achieve healthy tissue. If necessary, eliminate entirely by cutting into the root collar.
Add branches to your compost pile after pruning as an ecologically friendly, self-sustainable way of disposable. You could also add them into other yard waste and set them in your green bin for pick up from the municipality’s waste support, when available.