Gymnosperms, like pteridophytes, have various sizes and shapes too. This make pruning them even more fun. Whilst they’re both flowerless and fruitless they do produce seeds – this is what makes them different from bryophytes and pteridophytes.
Pruning them isn’t difficult so you don’t have to worry about ruining their growth and health by doing it wrong. To make things easier though, let’s go through the right way to prune the three main types – conifers, cycads and ginkgo – and when you should prune them.
Pruning Conifers
Conifers come in all shapes and sizes, but the great thing here is that no matter the size they can all be pruned in the same way. Late spring or early spring are the best times to prune conifers. This really helps to promote healthy regrowth and new growth. Not only that, there is also a reduced risk of the conifers developing fungal infections as the bark is more easily damaged when it is going through the growth stage.
Ensure the pruning shears you use to trim conifers are sharp and clean. This will really help to create smooth, clean cuts that will help the plants instead of harming them.
You really shouldn’t cut the main trunk of a conifer, but if a second trunk begins to grow feel free to trim the weaker of the two. Trimming branches is also acceptable too, so you can really help yourself to these to make the conifer more aesthetically pleasing – just don’t go overboard. One thing to keep in mind is that once you remove an entire branch it will not grow back. So, choose wisely.
Pruning Cycads
Cycads are slow growing so the main thing to keep in mind when you decide to prune these are that less is more. If you cut too much off it’s going to take a long while to grow back.
Spring is the best time to remove dead leaves that have gathered. You may be tempted to do this in fall but you should definitely hold back. Dead fronds tend to help protect the trunks of cycads against the damaging effects of winter. If you don’t properly tend to the dead leaves on a cycad then all you’re doing is opening the cycad up to insect infestations that could end up killing the plant. Even leaving cut leaves on the ground surrounding the plant is damaging.
If you notice a few leaves that have been infested by insects you can still stop the plant from being completely take over by the insects. Simply cut off these leaves and dispose of them in plastic bags. And make sure you sterilise your pruning shears after doing this, so as not to cross-contaminate other plants.
Pruning Gingko
Gingko trees can grow quite big so to prevent them becoming a safety hazard you should keep up with your pruning game. The great thing about these trees though, is that they are both insect and disease resistant. This means you won’t have to spend a lot of time pruning them.
Pruning during late fall and or winter is the perfect time, and here’s why: For one, the wounds caused by pruning will be allowed a sufficient amount of time to heal. And there’s a reduced amount of sap production during these seasons so you it’s unlikely that you’ll end up weakening the tree.
The best pattern to follow when pruning is to start at the top and work your way down. Cut the desired branches at the point where they attach to another branch. These branches can be inside and outside the tree’s canopy so there isn’t too much restriction. You should follow the natural pyramidal shape of the tree and aim to increase the amount of light and air penetrating the tree.
If you really want to let your creative side out pruning gymnosperms is the perfect option. You can try your hand at numerous techniques and really help your plants to grow and thrive.