PRUNING, Part II

Its that time of year when people start heading outdoors to do yard clean-up.  Before taking your pruners to your crape myrtle, take a moment to read these enlightening articles on CRAPE MURDER and TREE TOPPING.  Remember, just because you see something done in a commercial landscape or in your neighbor's yard, doesn't mean it is the best thing to do.   We've begun to do maintenance pruning on our shrubs and trees out at the Arboretum.   Come out and look at our gardens.  It may helpful to see how big things can grow.  Chosing the right plant for the right spot is a great way to curtail extreme pruning chores.  If you have any pruning questions, call the Master Gardeners' Hotline (see the hours and number posted in the right column).