I find pruning to be a fascinating subject and this video is a good tutorial. There are good books that explain the subject further. Pruning can achieve several objectives. To improve vitality (removing damaged or diseased, rejuvenation). To increase bloom or harvest. To reduce size. To improve appearance. To redirect growth. Rule of thumb is do not remove more than a third of the foliage in a season.
I LOVE my reciprocating saw for pruning thicker branches. Hardware stores sell pruning blades for reciprocating saws. I keep spares because a sharp blade cuts faster. The saw will cut through a 4 inch branch with relative ease. As a woman, I do not have much upper body strength. My hands do not have a strong grip. The power in the saw provides the muscle I lack. The drawback is the saw is rather heavy and the vibration takes a toll on my muscles, but the speed at which it can cut a 1-2 inch branch more than compensates. Another huge advantage to a reciprocating saw is when you want to remove a shrub or small tree. Dirt does not harm the pruning blade of the saw when cutting roots, but dirt will ruin chain saw blades. I bought a DeWalt with power cord because the battery power models are much heavier to work with. Three words of caution when using this saw for pruning. (1) Position yourself so that you can keep your arms close to your body while cutting to help absorb the vibration of the saw. (2) Do not allow the blade to bend or bind while it is cutting. That can cause the blade to snap and the broken off portion of the blade can go flying and cause injury. Cut any thicker vertical branch at an angle to reduce the potential for binding the saw blade. You'll notice smoke and a burning odor when the blade begins to bind. You can sometimes push the unwanted branch far enough to open up a gap at the cut and allow the blade to move freely. (3) You can easily reposition the blade within the housing of the saw so that the blade will cut on the vertical or horizontal. But be warned the blade can become very hot to the touch after heavy use.
I stopped in my tracks last year when I caught sight of Rose of Sharon Blue Chiffon. The blooms were enormous and I especially love the frilly bits at the center. I had been on the lookout for a pure white variety (which I'm still trying to find, btw). I got it home and in ground and it continued to bloom until frost!!. Can't wait to see what it does this year! I got so many compliments on it from neighbors walking by and the thing was not even 2 feet high and 1 foot wide!
I live in East TN and I'd never heard of anyone pruning a ROS. I understand the desire to have a balanced look, but I guess I always wanted mine to get as big as possible! Anxiously awaiting your end of summer video to see the difference between the two!
Wow that was excellent pruning. Do you think I can reestablish a rose of Sharon if I posted a picture. I’m so sad that I lost part of it. I love 45 mind south west of Chicago. It was freezing cold winter blast that knocked all 3 out!!
I find pruning to be a fascinating subject and this video is a good tutorial. There are good books that explain the subject further. Pruning can achieve several objectives. To improve vitality (removing damaged or diseased, rejuvenation). To increase bloom or harvest. To reduce size. To improve appearance. To redirect growth. Rule of thumb is do not remove more than a third of the foliage in a season.
I LOVE my reciprocating saw for pruning thicker branches. Hardware stores sell pruning blades for reciprocating saws. I keep spares because a sharp blade cuts faster. The saw will cut through a 4 inch branch with relative ease. As a woman, I do not have much upper body strength. My hands do not have a strong grip. The power in the saw provides the muscle I lack. The drawback is the saw is rather heavy and the vibration takes a toll on my muscles, but the speed at which it can cut a 1-2 inch branch more than compensates. Another huge advantage to a reciprocating saw is when you want to remove a shrub or small tree. Dirt does not harm the pruning blade of the saw when cutting roots, but dirt will ruin chain saw blades. I bought a DeWalt with power cord because the battery power models are much heavier to work with.
Three words of caution when using this saw for pruning. (1) Position yourself so that you can keep your arms close to your body while cutting to help absorb the vibration of the saw. (2) Do not allow the blade to bend or bind while it is cutting. That can cause the blade to snap and the broken off portion of the blade can go flying and cause injury. Cut any thicker vertical branch at an angle to reduce the potential for binding the saw blade. You'll notice smoke and a burning odor when the blade begins to bind. You can sometimes push the unwanted branch far enough to open up a gap at the cut and allow the blade to move freely. (3) You can easily reposition the blade within the housing of the saw so that the blade will cut on the vertical or horizontal. But be warned the blade can become very hot to the touch after heavy use.
Gary, your video is 100% essential UA-cam.
Great explanation & instruction on this video. Thanks Gary
That was very helpful! I just planted 5 in Fl.
I want them to not get lanky & stay bushy with lots of blooms.
Those loppers were amazing!
I stopped in my tracks last year when I caught sight of Rose of Sharon Blue Chiffon. The blooms were enormous and I especially love the frilly bits at the center. I had been on the lookout for a pure white variety (which I'm still trying to find, btw). I got it home and in ground and it continued to bloom until frost!!. Can't wait to see what it does this year! I got so many compliments on it from neighbors walking by and the thing was not even 2 feet high and 1 foot wide!
Thank you! Very helpful mostly because of the level of professionalism in regards to production. I am inspired todo MY YT channel!
I enjoy knowledgeable content. Thanks for sharing.
I am looking forward to the summer videos show how the Rose of Sharon did this year.
Looks nice! You have some nice tools too! Thanks for the instructions.
I have some rose of sharon so I really appreciate this video! 😊
This was very helpful. Thank you!
I have some very old rose of sharon thanks for sharing this video!
great video, it is a bit early but I gotta prune while I am motivated!
Can you please post an update and show both shrubs. I definitely want to do this next Spring. I hacked back my roses and they look great! Thanks!
Hello Gary! Good to see you! I'm looking forward to this year's gardening. Zone 7, growing stronger every day.
You just had to rub it in that you are in zone 7. How about a little sympathy for us Zone 5 gardeners. Thanks for watching.
Hello from Southern Va, Zone 7 😂😂😂.
Nevertheless the Hibiscus Syriacus is my one of my favorites second only to Crape Myrtles
I live in East TN and I'd never heard of anyone pruning a ROS. I understand the desire to have a balanced look, but I guess I always wanted mine to get as big as possible! Anxiously awaiting your end of summer video to see the difference between the two!
It's a personal preference. If you like them tall, who am I to tell you that must prune it.
Gary, I noticed your tee shirt ....
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
It is from a radio station called Strong Tower Radio that is in Michigan and I believe Indiana. I do a gardening program for them.Thanks for watching.
Can we see an update please on what this style of pruning flower results. Thank you
great information
You know your stuff!
Wow that was excellent pruning. Do you think I can reestablish a rose of Sharon if I posted a picture. I’m so sad that I lost part of it. I love 45 mind south west of Chicago. It was freezing cold winter blast that knocked all 3 out!!
That must be a very old Rose of Sharon! My estimate is about 20 years old!
I have a major problem with beetles killing most of the flowers before they have a chance every year. 😢
Can you prune rose of Sharon in fall
Yes
is there an optimal height for Rose of Sharon?
Show us already too much talk
I have no idea what you’re talking about. He showed exactly what he was doing.
🥴