Pruning & Training

Two avocados still on the tree
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Growing Avocados on the Central Coast

Apr 24 2025

Did you know you can grow great avocados in our cool foggy summers?Join our online workshop to learn all about avocados!Find out which varieties do best in our Monterey Bay area, how to choose a good tree and how to plant it properly, how to care for and fertilize your tree as well as protect it from pests…
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coffeeberry
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Pruning Coffeeberry

 Scientific NameRhamnus californicaPrized forDeep green foliage.Blooms onN / AWhen to PruneAfter the winter bloom and the berries have faded. Can be lightly pruned all year.What to PruneUse small thinning cuts and tip pruning to establish the structure and to control the form. Structure may not be…
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Ribes
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Pruning Currant, Gooseberry

 Scientific NameRibes spp.Prized forFlowers; and dark green foliageBlooms onOld woodWhen to PruneJune, July (Early Summer, after the winter bloom and the spring growth).What to PruneUse thinning cuts to reveal the structure of the plant. The stems are not long-lived. Therefore, taking out only new stems…
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Ironwood
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Pruning Island Ironwood

 Scientific NameLyonothamnus floribundusPrized forFlowers; peeling bark; and leaf structure.Blooms onN / AWhen to PruneJanuary, but can remove dead material and persistent seed heads in late summer.What to PruneUse thinning cuts to open and reveal the structure.> BACK TO PRUNING TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS
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manzanita
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Pruning Manzanita

 Scientific NameArctostaphylos spp.Prized forDelicate flowers and leaves; twisting trunk and branches; and shiny red bark.Blooms onOld wood.When to PruneAugust, September, October, before flower buds emerge. Flowers form after the summer dormant season on old wood and bloom from the early winter to…
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redbud
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Pruning Redbud

 Scientific NameCercis occidentalisPrized forMass of pink flowers; and twisting branches and trunk. Blooms onOld woodWhen to PruneAugust – OctoberWhat to PruneUse thinning cuts to reveal the branch and trunk structure which is striking in the winter.> BACK TO PRUNING TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS
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serviceberry
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Pruning Serviceberry

 Scientific NameAmelanchier utahensisPrized forBerries. Upright structure.Blooms onOld woodWhen to PruneJanuaryWhat to PruneIt is best to thin canes from the bottom of the plant. Avoid heading cuts at mid-cane. They may produce “witches broom”, i.e., sprout lots of new growth at the end, causing a…
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spice bush
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Pruning Spice Bush

 Scientific NameCalycanthus occidentalisPrized forLush foliage; red flowers; and seedpods.Blooms onNew woodWhen to PruneJanuaryWhat to PruneOne approach is to keep the plant full by tip pruning only. Alternatively, a plant can be trained as small, multi-trunk tree by using thinning and releadering cuts…
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toyon
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Pruning Toyon

 Scientific NameHeteromeles arbutifoliaPrized forBright red berries in November and December.Blooms onOld woodWhen to PruneIf interested in the berries, prune in January. If not interested in the berries, prune in August or September.What to PrunePrune for structure in August or September, although this…
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Vine maple
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Pruning Vine Maple

 Scientific Name:Acer circinatumPrized forLeaf detail and graceful structure.Blooms onNew woodWhen to PruneWinter or very early spring (Ideal: February).What to PruneUse thinning cuts to reveal the structure. Pluck leaves in dense areas. > BACK TO PRUNING TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS
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