Pruning Trees with Biology in Mind

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Brazos County Master Gardeners will host a seminar on pruning your trees on June 23 in Bryan. There is no charge to attend. The program will be presented by Stephanie Adams, Ph. D., AgriLife Extension specialist and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. Adams will discuss how pruning decisions are guided by tree biology, structure and function, with emphasis on how trees respond to injury through compartmentalization of wounds. Understanding where and how to make cuts directly affects a tree’s ability to limit decay and maintain structural integrity. Poor pruning increases the likelihood of wood decay and creates greater risks in the future. Proper pruning reduces maintenance needs, improves safety, and extends the lifespan of trees in the landscape.