I am starting a movement to license pruning shears. If you buy shears, you will be subject to a background check (have you been convicted of crepe myrtle murder?) and have to show a license. A potential pruner will get a license after completing a course which includes 1)recognizing a growth node, 2)knowing what an "undercut" is, 3)importance of clean and sharp implements, and other important pruning facts. Can you tell I just came from a neighbor's garden where he just finished pruning roses (in June, for heaven's sakes!)? If you wish to join the movement, go out there and confiscate pruning shears from the uninformed!
A few years ago two different drive-by tree trimmers stopped and asked if I wanted them to trim the crepe myrtles. Our's are 30+ years old and almost 40 feet tall and they wanted to cut them down to under 10 feet to make them pretty. A definite case of unlicensed pruning shears being in the wrong hands.
Oh yes Toni--always avoid the "dudes with chainsaws"! We had a group stop by and offer to "top" our trees. They were lucky to get away without being "topped" themselves!
I'm guilty!!! I'm guilty!!! I bought a pair of pruning shears without a license a couple of years ago and till today I still dare not prune my fruit trees. Yes I have a kalamansi and a papaya tree and I just have no idea how to prune it. When I grow pepper I was told to prune it after the first harvest but I can't do it for fear of killing the plant. The papaya tree does not need pruning right? So, can I have a lesson on pruning?
